Zverev, Sinner and the battle for the tennis throne

One has just climbed to the tennis throne for the first time, while the other is - almost unnoticed - lying in wait. At the 31st TERRA WORTMANN OPEN in Halle, Westphalia, it's not just about winning the tournament.  For Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, it's also about something even bigger.

After losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final at the French Open, there was much discussion about the fact that Germany's number one Alexander Zverev had once again narrowly missed out on his first Grand Slam title. But in addition to the big trophies, the 27-year-old from Hamburg has another opportunity. Although he is ranked fourth in the world rankings, he is ranked second behind Jannik Sinner in the annual raca, which only includes the 2024 results. The gap is 1000 points - almost within striking distance. "Of course, the number 1 ranking is a goal for me and an issue this year," revealed Zverev. "It's in my own hands if I keep playing well and continue to improve, which I've already managed to do this year."

He looks confident, the 1.98 meter giant. And why not? His main rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are not unbeatable for him. Quite the opposite. Zverev has a 5:5 record against Alcaraz and a 4:1 record against Sinner. He has won all of his last four matches against the new number 1.

Jannik Sinner is also aware of this: "Yes, he's ahead in the head-to-head. I still have a lot to learn, even though I'm number 1." The 22-year-old Italian has just arrived from his home town of Sexten in South Tyrol. There was a big reception for him there. The visit had already been arranged after his triumph at the Australian Open in January. "Of course, it was a perfect fit that I was now also number one and we could celebrate together."

Sexten has 1800 inhabitants. It's literally a village where Sinner comes from. "Yes, sometimes I do wonder how it happened that I came from this small village to be number one in the world," he said. However, such thoughts don't occur to him on his few visits home. "I don't think about tennis there. I spend time with family and friends. It's only ever a few days." In Sexten, winter sports are a bigger topic than tennis. "So you don't always need perfect conditions to achieve something," he explained with a grin.

Becoming number one is one thing. Staying at the top, as all the greats in tennis history say, is even more difficult. "Yes, I'm aware of that. I have to keep working hard on myself, especially physically." And who are the most dangerous rivals for the tennis throne? "Besides Carlos Alcaraz, it's also Alexander Zverev, of course. He's in second place in the race and is playing a great season, especially at the Grand Slams. He's a candidate for the number one spot." The fact that the German is a few years older doesn't have to be a disadvantage for him: "He has more experience than Carlos and me."

However, Sinner's first opponent in Halle will be Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor. "That will be difficult, because he serves really well. But I'm looking forward to it," said Sinner, who has yet to win a tournament on the green surface.

Alexander Zverev is also looking forward to the grass in Halle. The changeover from clay is not easy, especially for physically tall players. "But I know what it's like, I've been at it for a while."  He needed the break after Paris: "It was a great two weeks in Paris, but also two difficult weeks, especially for my body. Of course the rest in Halle is good."

He also enjoyed the 5:1 victory of the German national soccer team. "Who wouldn't have done that? I wish we always played against Scotland now."