Zverev warns Alcaraz: "It would be great".

Alexander Zverev is already back in action.

Although still suffering from pneumonia, the German has decided to return to the circuit at the Shanghai Masters 1000, which begins this week.

Having just been overtaken in the ATP rankings by Carlos Alcaraz, who won the title in Beijing, Zverev was very ambitious in his press conference.

Asked about his end-of-season goals, the 27-year-old declared: "It would be great to finish the year as world number 2.

Jannik Sinner secured the top spot with his title at the US Open. I think before the US Open, it was a bit open between Jannik, Carlos and myself.

I think finishing the year as number 2 and starting 2025 at this level would be extraordinary.

Of course, I know Carlos is playing great tennis at the moment, he's in Beijing scoring points and I know I need to be at my best to achieve that goal."