Daniil Medvedev Tells Social Media Critics Why Alexander Zverev ‘Deserves’ No.1 Ranking

Daniil Medvedev has come to Alexander Zverev‘s defense once again amid criticism that Sascha doesn’t deserve the World No.1 ranking. Zverev will dethrone an injured Jannik Sinner from the No.1 ranking and will become the first German man since Boris Becker in 1991 to reach the top.

The World No.2 capitalized when Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Majors and lost before reaching the final. Whenever Zverev faced Sinner, Alcaraz, or even Novak Djokovic this season, the result did not end in his favor.

However, Medvedev explained to the social media critics that if there is one player who was pretty consistent this season, it was Zverev.

In terms of rankings, I am not sure there is any other sport that is that fair. Because literally, 52 weeks, whatever you win, whatever you play, you get the points. Nobody can argue. Sometimes you go on social media, and you’re like, ‘How is this guy top 10?’ Well, you know how. Last 52 weeks, he won more points than other guys, and he’s in the top 10 for points for the last 52 weeks.

Daniil Medvedev said at a press conference in Almaty (H/T: Tennis365)

The Italian suffered a dramatic defeat in the second round of the French Open after being hit by severe cramps. Zverev reached the final and ended his Grand Slam drought with a five-set victory over Flavio Cobolli. Alcaraz skipped both the French Open and Wimbledon because he was nursing a wrist injury.

Points are the fairest part that there is in tennis. Of course, probably if Jannik was healthy, he had big chances to win a lot more points, but that’s part of sports, unlucky for him. Sascha deserves it, 100%.

Daniil Medvedev added

Following his French Open win, a confident Zverev reached his career’s first Wimbledon final only to lose to Sinner in four sets. The German doubled his Major title tally with a four-set win over home favorite Ben Shelton in the US Open final.

En route to reaching his first Grand Slam final, Shelton clinched his career’s first victory over Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal. Sinner did not play in New York due to his knee injury.

Daniil Medvedev defends his Almaty Open title

In Almaty, the Russian received the walkover from an injured Alexander Bublik in the semifinals. Then, Daniil Medvedev came from a set down to defeat Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili and defended his title. It was his 25th tour-level singles title.

It is just a matter of time, luck, a moment. I was feeling fresh, physically good. Sascha [Bublik] being injured in the semis gave me an extra push in the final, and I am happy to finally do it… It was not easy, but I had my chances in the first set. I got a bit unlucky. I knew I would probably have my chances to turn the match around, and it was not easy.

Daniil Medvedev said during his on-court interview (H/T: ATPTour.com)

The former World No.1 has now won four titles from five finals this season. Prior to the ATP 250 event in Kazakhstan, the Russian ace took home titles in Brisbane, Dubai, and Hangzhou.

Jannik Sinner beat him in the Indian Wells final. Only the five-time Grand Slam champion has won more titles than Medvedev and Ben Shelton (he has also won four) this season, lifting six of them.

The win in Almaty has only boosted Medvedev’s ATP Finals qualification hopes. Medvedev, the winner of the event in 2020 and the runner-up the following year, will next be competing at the Vienna Open. He will lock horns with Daniel Merida Aguilar to kick off his campaign.

Also read: Elena Rybakina Makes ‘Very Upset’ Comment After Defending Ningbo Open Title