Winning Is Just A Part Of The Process; For Zverev, It’s All About The Pursuit Of Greatness.
In the world of professional tennis, celebrating a hard-fought victory often means taking a well-deserved break. Yet,
for Alexander Zverev, winning the ATP Masters 1000 title at the Paris Masters was just the beginning of his journey
—not a destination.
Zverev showcased his elite form in the final against Ugo Humbert, dominating the match with a commanding 6-2, 6-
2 scoreline. The win not only secured him his second Masters 1000 title of the year—having previously triumphed at
the Italian Open in May—but also allowed him to leapfrog Carlos Alcaraz into the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings.
With this victory came an additional 350 ranking points, significantly boosting his chances of closing the season as
the world No. 2 as the ATP Finals approach on November 10th.
What set Zverev apart was his immediate transition from victory to practice. While most players might revel in their
success for a few days, Zverev chose to hit the practice courts right after his final match. A video shared by the Paris
Masters X account captured this moment of dedication, showcasing Zverev diligently hitting groundstrokes—further
proof of his relentless work ethic.
This commitment to improvement is not new for the German star. After defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the
quarterfinals, Zverev similarly spent an hour on the practice court, emphasizing his belief that there are always areas
to refine. In his post-match reflections, Zverev openly acknowledged that the upcoming Australian Open is already
on his mind. He recognizes that players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner possess certain advantages, and he’s
determined to address these gaps in his game.
It’s common for athletes to focus on areas of struggle after matches, and Zverev is no exception. This approach aligns
with the practices of other top players, such as Coco Gauff, who often targets specific weaknesses post-match.
However, Zverev’s unique approach of practicing immediately after a victory highlights an extraordinary
commitment to growth—a mindset that distinguishes champions from mere winners.
During his press conference, Zverev expressed satisfaction with his performance but reiterated his desire for
continuous improvement. “I’m extremely satisfied. I’m happy about it,” he said, clutching his Masters 1000 trophy.
Yet he was quick to add, “There are still some things I want to improve. This is a process of a few months, and I’m
improving for next year already, hopefully.” This forward-thinking mentality is crucial, especially as he strives for the
one major title that has eluded him: a Grand Slam victory.
As Zverev prepares for his next practice session on Wednesday, his focus remains razor-sharp. He knows that the
road ahead is challenging, and that achieving his lofty goals will require not just talent, but relentless hard work and
dedication. In a sport where the difference between success and failure can be minuscule, Zverev’s determination to
refine his skills might just be the key to unlocking his potential.
With the ATP Finals on the horizon and the Australian Open looming in January, Zverev’s journey exemplifies what
it means to be a true competitor.
