Alcaraz or Sinner? Alexander Zverev reveals choice for 'best player in the world'

Sinner and Alcaraz were the dominant forces in the men's game in 2024, with both men winning two Grand Slam singles titles.

When they faced off it was Alcaraz who had the edge every time, winning their contests the last four of Indian Wells, the last four of Roland Garros, and the final of the China Open.

The Spaniard also became just the sixth man in the Open Era to complete the 'Channel Slam' this summer, winning at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

However, Alcaraz finished the season as the World No 3, close to 5,000 ranking points behind Sinner.

The Italian won eight titles compared to Alcaraz's four in 2024 and held an impressive 73-6 win-loss record for the season.

The man who separates the two is Zverev, who finishes 2024 as the World No 2 after reaching the final of Roland Garros - losing to Alcaraz - and winning Masters titles in Rome and Bercy.

And the 27-year-old expressed his belief that Sinner was the clear number-one player for the season - despite some suggesting Alcaraz holds that title.

"I've known him [Sinner] since he was 16 or 17 years old," said Zverev.

"He trained with Riccardo Piatti near Monte Carlo. Whenever it rained, we went there because there was a hall there. So I've known him since he was a young boy at the academy.

"In terms of tennis, he absolutely deserves to be number one in the world. He has won two Grand Slam titles, three Masters titles and the ATP Finals.

"He is the best player in the world, he has won the most titles."

Zverev was beaten by Sinner in their only contest this year, falling to the World No 1 in a three-set Cincinnati Open semi-final defeat.

However, he played Alcaraz four times, with their season head-to-head split evenly at two wins apiece.

Alcaraz won their clashes at Roland Garros and Indian Wells, though it was the German who prevailed when they met at the Australian Open and the ATP Finals.

The pair joined forces at the Laver Cup, playing doubles together, and Zverev revealed that his relationship with Alcaraz had grown across 2024.

He added: "Carlos is someone I really get on well with.

"We've had some special moments together, playing the biggest matches against each other on the court and spending a bit more time together off the court. That's what has developed.

"Every time we play, and every time we've played this year, it's been a very high level with a lot of entertainment to watch and it's just fun to be on the court with him."

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