Alexander Zverev hasn't been the healthiest in recent months, but the German still has some goals for the remainder of this season.
Zverev has been one of the best players in the world this year, with numerous notable results in the first half of the season. He’s been so good that he has emerged as the World No. 2 behind Jannik Sinner, despite Carlos Alcaraz winning two Grand Slams this year.
Zverev didn't win any but made the final at Roland Garros and had a few other decent results. Getting to the number two sport is certainly a notable achievement, and it’s one of the ranking goals he has for the rest of the year.
He’s in Shanghai right now, preparing for the ATP Masters 1000 event - the Shanghai Masters, and according to the German, his goal for the rest of the season is to remain number two in the world.
"Yeah, for me personally it would be great especially to finish the year No. 2 in the world. I think the No. 1 spot is gone to Jannik, he made sure about it during the US Open. I think before the US Open it was quite open between Jannik, Carlos, and myself."
His biggest rival for the spot, Alcaraz, has been playing really good tennis in recent weeks, and he has a good chance to finish as world number two by the end of the year.
It doesn’t really seem to be a goal for the Spaniard, but for Zverev, it is. It’s a major sign of consistency for him, which is very important as he prides himself on that.
"So, yeah, I think finishing in the No. 2 spot and starting the year there would be amazing for me. Of course, I know Carlos is playing great tennis right now, he's in Beijing making up points, and I know that I have to be at my best to achieve that goal."
The German's level hasn’t been as sharp in recent weeks, and that’s due to the health issues he’s been battling. He told the media in Shanghai that he was diagnosed with inflammation of the lungs, which has caused him problems with breathing.
He even had to take a medical timeout at the Laver Cup as he struggled to breathe. Despite not being cleared of the inflammation, which has persisted for a couple of months, Zverev will keep playing, which shocked a lot of his fans.
It seems like he was cleared to play by a doctor, which is good news, but playing with some lung issues doesn’t seem like the smartest decision. At the end of the day, Zverev is a professional and certainly knows all the risks and possible rewards.
Time will tell whether Zverev will be able to complete his goal of finishing as world number two because the level hasn’t been very good lately. However, he’s had good showings in Shanghai before, which could boost his chances.
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