Alexander Zverev has admitted he is probably the best tennis player in the world "right now" after capturing his second Grand Slam title of 2026 at the US Open.
The German defeated home favourite Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6, 5-7, 6-2 in the final at Flushing Meadows, doubling his career tally of major trophies and strengthening his push to become world No 1.
Zverev is the only man to have won two Grand Slams this year, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz claiming one apiece.
His latest triumph inevitably prompted questions about whether he should now be considered the leading player on the planet.
Zverev gave an honest assessment of the debate, conceding that injuries suffered by Sinner and Alcaraz had changed the landscape at the top of the sport.
"I don't know how to answer that," he said.
"You have to take everything into consideration.
"With Jannik Sinner being injured, Carlos Alcaraz coming back from injury after four months, right now, this moment, probably yes.
"Both of them healthy, both of them at the top of their game? Maybe not.
"But if we say right, right now, with Jannik being injured and Carlos coming back from injury, maybe."
Sinner was forced to miss the US Open through injury, while Alcaraz arrived in New York after spending four months on the sidelines.
Their respective fitness problems cleared a path for Zverev, who did not face either rival during his successful campaign.
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Some critics have subsequently questioned whether the 29-year-old would have collected either of his two major titles this season had Sinner and Alcaraz been operating at full strength.
Zverev appears to understand that argument and admitted Sinner would still have the edge if every leading player were fit.
"Four or five months ago, when both of them were healthy, I wasn't [the best player in the world]," he added.
"I was losing to Jannik all the time.
"If everyone is healthy, I think Jannik is still ahead. It's as simple as that."
The German's record against the Italian provides compelling evidence.
Zverev has lost all five of their meetings in 2026 and claimed only one set, which came via a tie-break in the Wimbledon final.
He pushed Alcaraz harder during their encounter at the Australian Open but was again unable to defeat one of the two men who have dominated the sport in recent years.
Nevertheless, Zverev's remarkable consistency has transformed the battle for the top ranking.
His US Open victory moved him further clear of Alcaraz and left him fewer than 2,000 points behind Sinner in the official ATP standings.
More significantly, Zverev now leads the Live ATP Race to Turin, putting him in pole position to finish the year as world No 1.
Both Zverev and Sinner have already secured their places at the ATP Finals, where the battle to end 2026 at the summit could ultimately be decided.
Zverev will next attempt to strengthen his position at the China Open, which begins on September 28.
Whether he can add another trophy to his collection remains to be seen.
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