By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, March 8, 2026
Photo credit: Phil Walter/Getty
INDIAN WELLS—Alexander Zverev pushed Carlos Alcaraz to the brink in a gripping Australian Open semifinal.
Three-time major finalist Zverev has seen Alcaraz and No. 2 Jannik Sinner dispense major domination in combing to capture the last nine straight Grand Slam championships.
World No. 4 Zverev sees one simple reason for the world’s Top 2 commanding the sport: Superior shotmaking.
Responding to a question from Tennis Now’s Chris Oddo, Zverev said success in today’s tennis is not about tactics, it’s about shot-making skills.
“I think the players that win the most are the ones that have the best shots,” Zverev said after today’s Indian Wells 7-6, 5-7, 7-6 win over American Brandon Nakashima. “I think the players that win the
most now, especially now, because tennis is just a powerful sport now, have the best forehand, have the best backhand, have the best serve, have the best return. I think those are the players that win the most in the last couple of years.
“I think Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are winning “the” most, not because they play tennis by a lot of tactics, their shots are just better than everyone else’s.”
World No. 1 Alcaraz showed superior instincts and survival skills against Zverev in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old Spaniard overcame apparent mid-match cramping, twice vomited into his towel, rallied from 3-5 down in the final set and reeled off four games in a row fending off Zverev 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(3), 6-7(4), 7-5 in a mind-blowing Melbourne marathon semifinal.
Zverev suggested because today’s tennis is primarily a baseline game, players don’t have to adjust to disparate styles, including serve-and-volleyers like his older brother Mischa Zverev, therefore tactics are not as vital as stroke production, power and shotmaking.
Though you could argue that Alcaraz’s variation—his net skills, drop shots, finesse and penchant for unpredictability—are also primary reasons for his success.
“I think ten years ago, tactics and, you know, tennis IQ, as you said, was more important than it is now,” Zverev said. “I think it has lost a bit of value. I think just, yeah, whoever hits the ball the best wins the most matches.”