'I'm not an idiot': Zverev explains Sinner-Alcaraz comparison after backlash

(Getty/Dan Istitene)

World No.3 Alexander Zverev felt the need to clarify his comments about Jannik Sinner and the rest of the field.

The German star, who is seeded second at Roland Garros due to the withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz, took care of Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets without too much difficulty in his opening round in Paris.

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During this season's clay swing, Zverev has faced world No.1 Sinner on two occasions, having lost on both occasions without winning a set (Monte-Carlo 6-1, 6-4 and Madrid 6-1, 6-2).

The Madrid final lasted just 58 minutes, prompting Zverev to share his honest thoughts about the gap in men's tennis.

"Well, I think there's a big gap between Sinner and everybody else right now. It's quite simple. And I think there's a big gap between Alcaraz, myself, maybe Novak, and everybody else. I think there's two gaps right now," the former three-time Grand Slam runner-up told the media.

But after copping criticism from sections of the tennis world, the 29-year-old took the opportunity to break down his recent comments.

"I got in a lot of trouble when I said I feel like Jannik is the best, and then Carlos, Novak, and I are a step behind. What I meant was, at that moment, that was the truth because Carlos was injured, and Novak hadn't played since Indian Wells. So that was the case. Career-wise, I'm not saying that I'm there. I don't compare myself to them; I'm not an idiot," Zverev said in a sit-down with John and Patrick McEnroe on the MacZone.

"Even though I lost to him quite easily in Monaco and Madrid, I didn't play good tennis in those two matches. So, if I play good tennis, if I am the person I want to be on the court like I was against Carlos, I would at least have chances. That's what I have to tell myself."

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