Declaring Alexander Zverev a player “to take into account,” Juan Carlos Ferrero asserted that Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are not Carlos Alcaraz’s two primary opponents.

While acknowledging that Djokovic and Sinner are “the ones who are consistently showing the highest level,” the former world number one insisted that all competitors “deserve maximum respect.”

World No. 2 Alcaraz is 1-3 versus the world’s no. 1 player Djokovic; the 24-time Grand Slam champion prevailed in three of their four meetings in the previous year.

The winner of the Australian Open, Sinner, has defeated Alcaraz four times in seven meetings, including the last two. Their most recent meeting took place in Beijing in October.

Global No. 6 Zverev has also shown to be a difficult foe for Alcaraz; the German has a 5-3 lead against the 20-year-old Spanish player.

Although Zverev’s two victories were in 2021 prior to Alcaraz becoming a well-known player, he has prevailed in both of their Grand Slam encounters, including a four-set victory in the Australian Open quarterfinals this year.

When asked if Djokovic and Sinner are the two opponents that Alcaraz has to defeat, Ferrero emphasized the threat posed by Zverev and other top 10 players in an interview with Marca.

“No, particularly considering he is a competitor to be considered and has already lost to Zverev. Additionally, every person in the top 10 will make things difficult for them, the Spaniard stated.

“The utmost respect is due to all competitors.” It’s evident that Sinner and Djokovic are the ones that continuously display the best level. I hold everyone in high regard.

“No, [Alcaraz is not more aware of Sinner than previously] since we already knew that Sinner had touched the crossbar in numerous tournaments during the previous two years.

We all said on the circuit that he was very near to winning his maiden Grand Slam when he won his first Masters 1000 last year. Having triumphed, he feels more confident now. Furthermore, he is a contender to consider in the future.

The 2003 French Open champion discussed whether Alcaraz’s rating has diminished because he was formerly the world No. 1 position.

Because of the outcomes and what the player sees, the ranking is always significant. It is the result of doing well on the field. The order is revealed. Ferrero clarified, “It matters that he is content and produces quality tennis, which is what he likes.

Ferrero also addressed David Ferrer, the former world No. 3 who believed Alcaraz was the front-runner for the 2024 French Open.

After a strong land tour, he is one of the favorites if he shows up confidently. The greatest favorite? It is not required, in my opinion, to assume that function. He can be among the favorites to win if he performs well and uses all of his might, the speaker continued.