Overview
- Alexander Zverev said he has "a lot of catching up to do" to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top of the men's game.
- The German will lead his country at the United Cup in Sydney to start 2026, using match play to build sharpness before Melbourne.
- He contrasted his approach with Alcaraz and Sinner, noting they plan only an exhibition in South Korea before the Australian Open.
- Zverev described himself as "more of a diesel engine" who needs a preparation tournament rather than arriving cold at a Grand Slam.
- He finished 2025 with one title and a mid-season mental-health break yet defended the year as respectable given injuries and his run to the Australian Open final.