Alexander Zverev stands by comments on Jannik Sinner ahead of Italian Open

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for ITF

Alexander Zverev stands by comments on Jannik Sinner ahead of Italian Open

Originally posted on HITC | By George Patten | Last updated May 7, 2026 12:37 PM ET

Alexander Zverev didn’t hold back after his Madrid Open final loss to Jannik Sinner, sparking plenty of debate with his post-match comments.

“I think there’s a big gap between [Jannik] Sinner and everybody else right now. It’s quite simple. I think there’s a big gap between Sinner and everybody else. And I think there’s a big gap between [Carlos] Alcaraz, myself, maybe Novak [Djokovic], and everybody else. I think there are two gaps right now,” Zverev said.

Not everyone agreed, though. Andy Roddick was among those who pushed back, suggesting that Sinner and Alcaraz aren’t as far apart as Zverev implied.

But when asked about it ahead of the Italian Open, Zverev stuck to his view.

Alexander Zverev doubles down on Jannik Sinner gap to Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Speaking to the tournament’s official YouTube channel, Zverev was asked about his 2026 Masters 1000 campaign so far.

“I’ve been losing to one man, but everybody has been losing to him,” he said.

“I mean, he’s been a level or maybe two levels above everyone else at the moment, and playing fantastically, so credit to him.

“Even though I was a bit disappointed with how I played in the Madrid final, and I wish I could have played a bit better and given him a bigger challenge, but yeah, he’s been flawless.”

Zverev managed just three games in the Madrid Open final, putting in one of his poorest displays in recent memory.

His comments suggesting he belonged on the same level as Alcaraz and Djokovic also drew criticism from some quarters.

Looking to move on from his defeat in Spain, Zverev is aiming for a strong showing in Rome, where he has won twice before. “I mean, I love this place. I love Italy in general,” he said.

“I love the old city of Rome. I just enjoy my time here and that always helps when you are on the tennis court.”