Roddick: Zverev could finish the year as world number one
Tennis expert Andy Roddick believes German player Alexander Zverev could end the season at the top of the ATP rankings, overtaking current leader Jannik Sinner.
Former tennis player and current analyst Andy Roddick said on his podcast "Andy Roddick's Served" that he believes 29-year-old German Alexander Zverev could finish this season as the world's top-ranked player.
Zverev has won his first two career Grand Slam titles this year, along with two victories over players who were ranked in the top 10 at the time - Italian Flavio Cobolli and American Ben Shelton.
Critics' opinions don't matter
Roddick noted that many critics will try to diminish Zverev's achievements by pointing out he hasn't beaten certain opponents. However, according to the expert, this is irrelevant, since the German has fundamentally transformed his career trajectory - with two Grand Slam titles, he has secured his place in the tennis hall of fame.
Still a large gap behind Sinner
Current ATP world number one Jannik Sinner of Italy leads Zverev by 1,810 points. Still, Roddick pointed out that significant tournaments remain before the season ends - the Masters events in Paris and Shanghai, plus the ATP Finals.
The expert predicted that Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, both returning from injuries, won't overexert themselves this autumn chasing the top spot. Zverev, on the other hand, will actively pursue that goal, according to Roddick, who added that he himself was once in a similar position and understands such players' motivation well.
