Sinner is No. 1, Zverev is the best player on the planet –Rusedski
Former Canadian-British professional tennis player Greg Rusedski has acknowledged that Italian star Jannik Sinner is the world’s No. 1 but has declared that German professional Alexander Zverev is the best tennis player in the year 2026.
The 53-year-old retired tennis player who made the pronouncement on his podcast on Wednesday said that Zverev was expected to win French Open which he did because Sinner was out injured and then again he was the No 1 seed at the US Open and he got the job done on both occasions by winning both tournaments.
According to Rusedski who was British No. 1 in 1997, 1999 and 2006, Zverev is the best player on the planet this year because there is very rarely a player who wins two majors tournaments in the same calendar year.
Rusedski who retired from the game of tennis in 2007, said that those who questioned Zverev’s ability before this year were crazy to do so because it is not easy winning majors especially when guys like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and recently Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are around.
“When he won the French, he was expected to win when Sinner went out and then again he was No 1 seed at the US Open and he got the job done on both occasions,” Rusedski said on his podcast.
“Yes, Sinner is the world No 1. For me, from the results at the majors, Zverev’s the best player on the planet this year. That’s where we define greatness. There’s very rarely a player who wins two majors in the year who isn’t the world No 1.
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“He’s been by far the best at the majors. He could have gotten to the finals in Australia serving for the match against Alcaraz 5-3. Then on top of that, winning the French and then the finals of Wimbledon before he won his second major at the US Open.
“He’s a great player and those who questioned him before this year were crazy to do so. Winning majors is not easy, especially when guys like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and recently Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are around.
“Now we are seeing a different Zverev. He is not worried about when that first major will come any more and he is playing with freedom. That’s dangerous for everyone else because all the top players say he has the best serve in tennis. That’s no doubt he has now.” He added.
Zverev is currently the world’s No. 2 in the ATP tennis rankings and is enjoying a transformational breakthrough season having just won the 2026 US Open title.
29-year-old Zverev captured his second Grand Slam trophy on Sunday, September 13, by defeating Ben Shelton. The milestone closely follows his maiden Grand Slam triumph at the French Open in June.
