Alexander Zverev Explains What Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz Are Doing Differently Than Previous Generation

The top players have returned to action for the Indian Wells, the first Masters 1000 of the season. It’s one of the few tournaments where Alexander Zverev has yet to reach the semifinals, making the quarterfinals only twice.

Although last year he suffered an opening-round exit, this time he has advanced to the fourth round following a three-set victory over Brandon Nakashima. At the press conference afterward, the German was asked why he thinks Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominate so much. Zverev believes that instead of tactics, their shots give them a huge edge over the rest of the field.

I believe that the players who win the most are those with the best shots. Nowadays, especially now that tennis is a very powerful sport, those who have the best forehand, backhand, serve, and return win. Alcaraz and Sinner win more than anyone, not because they play with many tactics, but because their shots are simply better than others’. I think that ten years ago tactics and ‘tennis IQ,’ as you call it, were more important than they are now. I think they have lost some value. Nowadays, whoever hits the ball better wins more matches.

Zverev and Sinner are on the same half of the draw and could meet in the semifinals. Sascha will only face Alcaraz if both of them progress to the final. Alcaraz, who is chasing his third title in the California desert, having won in 2023 and 2024 by defeating Daniil Medvedev, will meet Arthur Rinderknech next.

Sinner, a two-time semifinalist at Indian Wells, could set up a blockbuster clash with Joao Fonseca if the Brazilian knocks out Tommy Paul. The four-time Grand Slam finalist beat Denis Shapovalov in the third round. Sinner is playing the tournament for the first time since 2024, as he was forced to skip it last year due to his three-month doping ban.

Alexander Zverev analyzes his match against Brandon Nakashima

At the press conference after defeating Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Zverev admitted that he did not expect the American ace to challenge him a lot. Zverev clinched the win with a 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-4 scoreline.

I think today was a completely different match from the last times we played. I had never seen him serve like he did today, so credit to him. I think he has improved a lot, and certainly, I am very happy with the victory. I still believe I can perform well here. Sometimes we like to disrespect some players, but the reality is that Nakashima is world number 28, and today he played a fantastic match. He served like I had never seen before. He placed the serve very well. Practically all his aces went to the line.

The win helped the three-time Grand Slam finalist improve his head-to-head record over the 24-year-old to a perfect 6-0. Up against him next will be Frances Tiafoe, who breezed past Flavio Cobolli in the previous round.

Zverev has so far added 10 Big Titles to his trophy cabinet, winning seven Masters 1000s, two ATP Finals, and one Olympic gold medal. The last time he won a Big Title was at the 2024 Paris Masters by defeating Ugo Humbert. Last year, he failed to reach the final of a Masters 1000 tournament, making the semifinals three times.

Prior to arriving in Indian Wells, the 28-year-old lost to Miomir Kecmanovic in the round of 16 of the Mexican Open. Zverev has not yet won a title since clinching the 2025 Munich Open, and last played a final at the 2025 Vienna Open, losing the match to Jannik Sinner.

Also read: Elena Rybakina Clears the Air on the Awkward Eisenhower Cup Trophy Presentation Moment

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