Alexander Zverev: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal still on another level

ATP Tour

Alexander Zverev insists Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remain the men to beat when it comes to the Grand Slams.

The 21-year-old Zverev once again showed why many believe he is the future of men’s tennis as he successfully defending his Citi Open title in Washington on Sunday.

It was the ninth ATP Tour singles trophy of his short career and many believe he is ready to challenge the likes of Federer and Nadal in the majors, but the German is not getting carried away.

“Roger and Rafa are still the best out there and still competing for Grand Slam titles,” he said. “I haven’t won a Grand Slam title. Saying I’m on their level wouldn’t be fair to them.”

Zverev beat 19-year-old Australian Alex De Minaur in the final in what was the youngest ATP final in 11 years. In fact, all four semi-finalists were 21 or younger as Stefanos Tsitsipas (19) and Andrey Rublev (20) were the other two players who competed in the last four.

While many have raised questions about the so-called Next Generation, Zverev is impressed with the talent that’s coming through.

“It’s not only me that’s the future of the sport. I think everybody who made it to the semi-finals is the future,” he said.

“We all want to be the best. Some of us already think we’re the best. We all have a lot of talent.”

Alexander Zverev

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