Zverev, on the Brink of Defending His Title in Rome: "In Big Matches, the Best Players Raise Their Level"
Despite a mixed start to the season, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev has found his smile again in recent weeks after winning the ATP 500 tournament in Munich on home soil.
Struggling to find his rhythm since losing the Australian Open final to Jannik Sinner, the German rediscovered his form in Bavaria in April before falling to Francisco Cerundolo in the Madrid Open round of 16.
Moreover, over the next four weeks, Zverev has a lot at stake, as he must defend the points from his title in Rome last year and his runner-up finish at Roland-Garros, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
During a press conference ahead of his opening match against Camilo Ugo Carabelli or a qualifier, Zverev addressed the criticism directed at him, including claims that he is the worst world No. 2 in tennis history.
"Becoming world No. 1? That would be nice. I haven’t gotten there yet, but I think I will. We’ll see how it goes. I also think the media enjoys putting players down, right?
I had two bad months before Munich. I wasn’t playing great tennis before that tournament. And suddenly, I’m apparently the worst No. 2 of all time and don’t deserve to be there.
I’m here because I’ve won tournaments. I’m here because I’ve got results. The ranking system doesn’t lie. You earn points by winning matches, you earn points by winning titles.
Yes, I know I haven’t been playing at my best level. I know I haven’t performed the way I wanted. But neither has Carlos (Alcaraz). Then he won Monte-Carlo. There are different phases in a player’s career.
Do you think Novak (Djokovic) is happy with his results? Do you think Carlos is happy with his results? I’m not happy with mine. In the end, in big matches, in big moments, I still believe the best players raise their level.
And I still believe I’ll play my best tennis at the biggest tournaments in the world," Zverev elaborated in recent remarks, as reported by The Tennis Letter.
Rome 
