"If I beat Jannik and then Carlos, I will truly deserve this trophy," says Zverev about his projected path at the US Open

A three-time Grand Slam finalist, Zverev hopes more than anyone to win his first Major title. Despite consistent performances, the German first struggled against the Big 3 before losing to the generation of Sinner and Alcaraz. The 28-year-old player commented on this situation during a press conference in New York:

First the Big 3 and now Sinner-Alcaraz? That's terrible (laughs). Tennis always produces new superstars. When Sampras and Agassi retired, everyone wondered, "What now?"

Then came Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, and now the superstars Sinner and Alcaraz. It's a good thing for tennis, and I'm happy about it. The popularity of our sport is very high, and if I can be a part of all this, I'm happy.

Regarding his projected path at the US Open, the 2020 finalist knows that a potential title would taste even sweeter with a victory over the two best players in the world:

"I would be more than happy to play against Jannik in the semifinals and Carlos in the final. Because if I were to realize my dream and lift the trophy by beating both of them, I would feel that I truly deserve it. But don't get me wrong—if by chance they get knocked out in the first round and I face the world number 50 in the final, well, tell me where to sign!"

He will begin his first round against Chilean Alejandro Tabilo (world No. 126).