In a candid reflection on his career, Alexander Zverev recently discussed his near-miss at the World No. 1 spot in 2022, a year that was filled with significant milestones and challenges for both him and the tennis world at large. In his comments, Zverev acknowledged that while he had a remarkable year, the context surrounding the ATP rankings in 2022—particularly the absences and injuries of key players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic—played a role in his proximity to the top ranking.
Zverev’s rise to the top of the ATP standings in 2022 was undeniable. The German player had a career-best season, capturing his first-ever ATP Finals title and continuing to perform consistently across the major tournaments. His solid play, which included a thrilling run to the French Open final, earned him a spot in the conversation for the World No. 1 position, a ranking that had long eluded him despite his undeniable talent.
By mid-year, Zverev had built a strong case for himself. With solid results at Wimbledon and the hard court season in North America, he was within striking distance of the coveted No. 1 spot, with the potential to leapfrog the likes of Daniil Medvedev, who had dominated the early months of the season.
However, Zverev was quick to point out that 2022 was a year shaped by unusual circumstances, with key players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic missing significant portions of the season. Nadal, who was in the midst of a career resurgence, suffered injuries that prevented him from playing as many tournaments as he would have liked. Meanwhile, Djokovic was notably absent from several events due to his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which led to his inability to compete in several high-profile tournaments, including the Australian Open and the US Open.
“I was in a position where I could have potentially become World No. 1 in 2022,” Zverev reflected. “But when I look at the circumstances, it was a bit of an unusual year. Rafael Nadal got hurt, and Novak Djokovic didn’t play a lot because he wasn’t vaccinated. In normal conditions, with everyone playing at their best and healthy, it’s a completely different situation.”
Zverev’s statement touches on the unique dynamics of the ATP Tour during the pandemic era. The lack of full participation from top players like Djokovic, Nadal, and even Roger Federer, who was dealing with his own injury troubles, created an opening for younger players like Zverev, Medvedev, and Carlos Alcaraz to make their mark. For Zverev, this opened the door to major opportunities, even if he wasn’t always able to capitalize on them.
His 2022 season included a heartbreaking injury at the French Open, where he was leading in the semifinal against Nadal before suffering an ankle injury that derailed his chances at a first Grand Slam title. Zverev’s injury was a key moment in his career, as it reminded him—and his fans—of the thin line between success and failure on the tour.
Nadal’s absence from certain parts of the season, notably after his 14th French Open title in June, and Djokovic’s limited appearances due to his vaccination status, created a clear window for Zverev to rise in the rankings. Zverev himself was not shy about acknowledging the factors that made 2022 different from a “normal” tennis year.
While he was undoubtedly a strong competitor, Zverev’s recognition of the circumstances underscores the unpredictability of tennis rankings and the importance of a full field. “In any given year, it’s not just about your performance but also about who you’re competing against and when,” Zverev explained. “In 2022, I had great moments, but I also saw players like Nadal and Djokovic struggle with injuries and travel restrictions. In another year, with everyone fully fit and playing, that might not have been the case.”
As he moves forward from a challenging 2022, which also saw him battling a long recovery after surgery on his ankle, Zverev is focused on his future ambitions. With his game continuing to improve and his mental fortitude stronger than ever, Zverev has expressed confidence in his ability to claim the World No. 1 ranking in the years to come, despite the challenges posed by the new generation of tennis talent, including Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and other rising stars.
He remains determined to make the most of his talents and improve his consistency across all surfaces. Zverev has also become a more vocal advocate for a more level playing field in tennis, acknowledging that while rankings are important, the true goal is to become one of the game’s all-time greats, something he believes he still has the opportunity to achieve.
“I’m not giving up on the No. 1 ranking,” Zverev said with conviction. “It’s still very much within my reach, and I believe with hard work, dedication, and maybe a little luck, it will come. But I also know that tennis is not just about the numbers—it’s about the moments, the titles, and the memories you create along the way.”
Alexander Zverev’s reflection on his near-miss at World No. 1 in 2022 provides valuable insight into the nuances of professional tennis. While Zverev’s impressive achievements were certainly noteworthy, he also acknowledged the unique circumstances that shaped the rankings, including the absences of some of the sport’s greatest players. As Zverev continues to push forward in his career, it is clear that he remains a fierce competitor on the ATP Tour, and while the road to No. 1 may be crowded with talent, Zverev is determined to carve out his place among the sport’s elite.