French tennis journalist Frédéric Verdier on Monday questioned Alexander Zverev’s rise to the top of the ATP rankings, arguing that Novak Djokovic remains the stronger player when playing at his best. He also suggested that injuries to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played a significant role in the German’s ascent to World No. 1.

Zverev officially claimed the World No. 1 position in the PIF ATP Rankings on Monday, reaching the top spot for the first time in his career. He received his World No. 1 trophy during an on-court ceremony at the Rolex Paris Masters. He became only the second German man to achieve the top ranking, joining Boris Becker.

Shortly after the milestone, Verdier, a commentator for Eurosport, questioned the strength of Zverev’s season. He argued that Djokovic remains a better player at his best and pointed to the limited number of top 10 opponents Zverev had defeated. He also suggested that Alcaraz’s four-month absence from the tour due to a wrist injury, along with Sinner’s withdrawal from several tournaments, including the U.S. Open because of a knee injury after his last appearance at Wimbledon, played a significant role in Zverev’s rise to the top of the rankings.

“On a good day, Djokovic is better than that world No. 1. He deserves that spot, but it’s practically unprecedented to see a world No. 1 beat only three top 10 players in a season. I did say three matches! No world No. 1 has ever had to beat so few top 10 players. It was truly a peculiar, baffling season,” Verdier said.

He added:

“The two best players, Sinner and Alcaraz, were sidelined one after the other due to injuries. Novak Djokovic remains a kind of immense, sacred ectoplasm, who on a good day, as he proved in Beijing against Zverev, is better than that world No. 1.”

Alexander Zverev was last in action at the Vienna Open, where he lost to Alex de Minaur in the semifinals on Saturday.

Alexander Zverev weighed in on receiving the World No. 1 rank

Alexander Zverev shared his thoughts on reaching the top of the ATP rankings in an essay titled “My Point,” published on the ATP Tour’s website. Describing the achievement as a special milestone, the German said he was struggling to find the words to express his emotions. :

“No words can truly describe this year. Two Grand Slam titles, countless memories and today, I woke up as the No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings. It is very special. To be able to feel what it is like being on top of the world is amazing,” Zverev said.

He added:

“I have been able to win many important tournaments in my career. But having the No. 1 next to my name is such a special feeling that is impossible to describe.”

He also highlighted the importance of patience in achieving major goals and expressed gratitude to those who had supported him throughout his career.

Alexander Zverev is next scheduled to face Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 32 at the Paris Masters on Wednesday.