Alexander Zverev won the Roland Garros and US Open titles within three months, reaching the Wimbledon final in between. The 2026 season marks the most successful of the German tennis player's career. However, Alcaraz did not compete at Roland Garros, and Sinner withdrew from the US Open due to injury. The absence of these two rivals, who have dominated men's tennis in recent years, led many to suggest that Zverev had not overcome the toughest challenges on his path to lifting the trophies.

"Why were they not there? Because they were injured," Mischa told Sport1 on 22/9. "Why were they injured? Perhaps because they were not physically strong enough, or they overplayed, or they did not rest when needed."

Alexander Zverev (center) poses with his brother Mischa (left) and father Alexander Zverev Sr. after defeating Flavio Cobolli in the Roland Garros final, in Paris, France on 7/6. *Reuters*

Mischa's remarks shifted the debate from the quality of Zverev's opponents to his ability to maintain physical condition throughout the season. In a year when two major rivals withdrew from Grand Slams, Zverev competed in three consecutive Grand Slam finals, winning two of them. According to the German player's brother, being ready to compete and advancing deep into tournaments is also a component of success.

Mischa also recalled his brother's severe injury at Roland Garros in 2022. Zverev had to leave the court in a wheelchair after twisting his ankle during a semifinal match against Rafael Nadal, followed by a long recovery period. "Some said he would never return to his previous level. But he has returned and is playing to his full ability," Mischa stated.

In the US Open final, Zverev defeated Ben Shelton in four sets to claim his second Grand Slam title. This extended the US men's singles Grand Slam title drought, which has lasted since 2003. Nevertheless, questions about Alcaraz and Sinner continued to follow Zverev after the tournament.

Mischa also refuted complaints regarding his brother's pre-serve preparation time, an issue that had bothered Shelton and his father during the final. He likened such scrutiny to criticizing a champion's sock color. "When someone wins and succeeds, there are always people who say they do not like this or that," Mischa observed.

The two Grand Slam titles have propelled Zverev past a barrier he had often failed to overcome previously. The debate about his position relative to Alcaraz and Sinner will likely only be settled when they are all healthy and face each other in upcoming Grand Slam tournaments.

Vy Anh