Zverev Aims for First Grand Slam at Australian Open

Alexander Zverev, the world number two, expressed confidence in winning his first Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open but acknowledged Jannik Sinner as the favorite to defend his championship. Following victories at the Rome and Paris Masters 1000, Zverev is in peak form, having won more matches than anyone except Sinner last season. Despite this, a Grand Slam title has eluded him for nearly a decade, with runner-up finishes at the 2020 US Open and 2021 French Open marking his best efforts. Zverev begins his Australian Open campaign against Lucas Pouille and could face tough opponents like Casper Ruud, Novak Djokovic, or Carlos Alcaraz in later rounds. He identified Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Daniil Medvedev as key rivals but reiterated Sinner as the clear front-runner due to his significant ranking lead. Additionally, Zverev commented on the International Tennis Federation's new off-court coaching rules, expressing his acceptance of the changes in the sport.