Alexander Zverev’s recent criticism of the current ranking system is not subsiding after he suggested that the government body of men’s tennis doesn’t take into account his views as much as others.
The world No.7 spoke out against the current rules during last week’s Mexican Open which he won. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the ATP has changed how a player’s ranking is calculated to help support those on the Tour. Recently they extended their ‘best of’ policy until at least August 9th this year. At present points won from events between March 4th – August 5th, 2019, which were not played in 2020, will be extended a further 52 weeks and weighted at 50%. So for example a player can count 50% of their result from the 2019 Monte Carlo Masters or 100% from this year’s Monte Carlo Masters depending on which one is better. They are not allowed to use the same event twice in the calculation.
However, Zverev feels that he has been left at a disadvantage of the system compared to somebody like Roger Federer who has remained in the world’s top 10 for the past 13 months despite only playing two matches due to injury. Since January 2020 Zverev has won two ATP titles and reached the final of the US Open.
“I know what I would change, but it doesn’t really matter because I’m not the one deciding. The ATP or whoever is in charge, I don’t think they really completely care about my opinion, to be honest,” Zverev told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the Miami Open.
“No offense to anyone, but I think there’s other players that they might listen to more, they might listen to their opinions more because they are just greater champions and they deserve to be listened to more,” he added.
The 23-year-old is not the only top name to have expressed his frustration. Another person to have previously hit out is Andrey Rublev who won 41 matches on the Tour last year which was the joint-highest along with Novak Djokovic.
“I could ask you guys this back. Do you think I should be 7 in the world with how I recently played?” Zverev asked the media before continuing, “You think I should have not moved one spot up maybe? Maybe one spot, two spots, three spots? There should be some movement otherwise the rankings are just the same kind of. It’s very difficult to surpass someone.”
Zverev’s next challenge will be at the Miami Open which is missing a series of top names, including every member of the Big Three. To put this into perspective the last time a Masters tournament was played without the trio was back in 2004. Zverev, who will be seeded third in the men’s draw, is hoping that he will be able to seize the opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to Miami. I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks. I hope I can build on my recent form and continue to play even better,” he stated.
It will be the sixth time Zverev has played in the Miami main draw. His best run to date occurred in 2018 when he reached the final before losing in three sets to John Isner. Overall his win-loss record stands at 10-5 at the tournament.
