Musetti says Zverev “deserves the world number one spot”, but Alcaraz and Sinner are still better at their best

Lorenzo Musetti thinks Alexander Zverev “deserves the world number one spot” and is happy for him. He also thinks Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are still better when they are at their best. It is a view that sums up the argument tennis has been having since 2 November.

What Musetti said

The Italian, who beat Zverev in the second round of the Paris Masters last week, was asked about the new No 1 by Bolavip. In remarks reported by Tennis365, he said: “I think Sasha deserves the world number one spot, for sure, and I am happy for him that he finally achieved two Grand Slam titles and the number one spot.”

He accepted that injuries have shaped the table. “Of course, the injuries to Sinner and Alcaraz have affected the rankings and most of the top players, but the physical aspect is a part of the game and whoever is the most consistent and fit enough to play is the one that can get the number one spot.”

Then came the qualification. “But of course, in terms of level I think there is no doubt that if everyone is at their best, Sinner and Alcaraz are still better than anyone else. They are still demonstrating that they are the ones to beat.”

The numbers behind the argument

Tennis365’s figures show why both halves of that sentence can be true. Zverev won the French Open and the US Open and has a 66-20 record this season. Sinner has the best win-loss record of any player in 2026 at 49-3, with Alcaraz on 46-6. Sinner leads on titles with six, Alcaraz has five and Zverev has two. Zverev also has a 3-9 record against top-10 opponents.

The ranking rewards what a player does across the year, and Zverev did more of it. The “who is best” question rewards peak level and results against the elite. Musetti is simply refusing to merge the two.

A fair line, with a gap

That distinction is also where Zverev’s critics have focused. Zverev himself said he was “annoyed” by the reaction to his ascent, and we have followed how pundits have divided on the point, including in our look at whether Zverev is a deserving No 1. Musetti’s answer is more generous than some, because it comes from a player who has just beaten him.

It is also a view from someone who knows the top end of the tour. Musetti is a former world No 5. His verdict does not diminish Zverev’s titles; it simply says that availability and consistency are skills too, and that the player who stays fit has earned the reward.

Turin as the test

The ATP Finals give Zverev a chance to turn the debate around. Tennis365 notes that he could quieten some of his naysayers by winning the tournament and beating Alcaraz along the way. Our ATP Finals explainer sets out the format and the groups.

If Zverev wins, Musetti’s caveat will be harder to sustain. If he does not, the same caveat will be repeated through the winter.