Alexander Zverev doubles down on his recent controversial comments about Jannik Sinner

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Alexander Zverev caused quite a stir with his comments after losing the Madrid Open final to Jannik Sinner.

“I think there’s a big gap between [Jannik] Sinner and everybody else right now. It’s quite simple. I think there’s a big gap between Sinner and everybody else. And I think there’s a big gap between [Carlos] Alcaraz, myself, maybe Novak [Djokovic], and everybody else. I think there are two gaps right now,” said Zverev.

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Many disagreed with Zverev’s assessment, including Andy Roddick, who argued Alcaraz and Sinner are closer than the German suggested.

Speaking ahead of the Italian Open, Zverev doubled down.

Alexander Zverev insists Jannik Sinner is ‘levels above’ everyone else

During an interview on the tournament’s official YouTube channel, Zverev was asked about his 2026 Masters 1000 campaign.

“I’ve been losing to one man, but everybody has been losing to him,” he said.

Alexander Zverev’s 2026 Masters 1000 results

• Indian Wells – Lost in SF to Jannik Sinner
• Miami Open – Lost in SF to Jannik Sinner
• Monte Carlo Masters – Lost in SF to Jannik Sinner
• Madrid Open – Lost in F to Jannik Sinner

“I mean, he’s been a level or maybe two levels above everyone else at the moment, and playing fantastically, so credit to him.

“Even though I was a bit disappointed with how I played in the Madrid final, and I wish I could have played a bit better and given him a bigger challenge, but yeah, he’s been flawless.”

Madrid Open final – Match stats (Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev, 6-1, 6-2)

Zverev won just three games in the Madrid Open final, delivering one of his weakest performances in recent memory.

Then suggesting he was on a level with Alcaraz and Djokovic didn’t sit well with some.

Looking to move on from his defeat in the Spanish capital, Zverev has his sights set on a deep run in Rome, an event he’s won twice before.

“I mean, I love this place, I love Italy in general,” he said.

“I love the old city of Rome, I just enjoy my time here, and that always helps when you are on the tennis court.

“You always play a bit better, you always feel a bit better when you’re out there, and you’re enjoying your time outside, and that shows in the results.

“Of course, I want to continue building my form, I want to continue playing good tennis, and I hope to do that here.”

The 29-year-old looked back on his first three years at the Italian Open, during which he played Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

• 2016 Italian Open 2R [LOSS] vs Roger Federer, 3-6, 5-7
• 2017 Italian Open F [WIN] vs Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 6-3
• 2018 Italian Open F [LOSS] vs Rafael Nadal, 1-6, 6-1, 3-6

“I think I was very fortunate to play against the best in the world, from different generations,” said Zverev.

“I played Roger, Rafa, Novak, I’ve played Carlos and Jannik now, so I was very fortunate in that regard.

“In a way, I wish I would’ve played them less in the latter stages of big events, but it’s always a privilege, I always enjoy playing them, and of course, the Novak final here was my first Masters 1000 title, something I’ll never forget.

“I have great memories.”

Zverev will be looking to make more memories at this year’s event.

Alexander Zverev’s second-round opponent in Rome is confirmed

Receiving a bye into round two, Zverev awaited either Daniel Altmaier or Zhang Zhizhen.

Zverev’s fellow German, Altmaier, fought back from a set down to defeat Zhizhen, 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.

The Germans have met four times on the ATP Tour, as Zverev leads their head-to-head 3-1.

Alexander Zverev and Daniel Altmaier’s head-to-head record

Only time will tell if Zverev can extend that winning record to 4-1, when they meet in Rome.

Zverev will play Altmaier for a spot in the third round of the Italian Open on Friday, May 8.