Alexander Zverev voiced frustration after his defeat at the Paris Masters, saying he has been unfairly scrutinised since reaching the top of the ATP rankings. The German complained that, unlike other players, he has been forced to justify why it is acceptable for him to hold the world number one position.
"I am the only player who has had to explain why it's OK," Zverev said, according to comments made after his match in Paris. He expressed annoyance at the reaction to his ascent, arguing that his rank should be accepted on its sporting merits.
The Paris Masters is part of the ATP Tour's end-of-season events, and Zverev's loss at the tournament brought his immediate run in Paris to an end. The ATP rankings, which determine the world number one, are based on points accumulated over the season across tournaments on the tour.
Zverev's remarks come amid ongoing public and media scrutiny of top athletes, and underline the extra attention that can accompany a rise to the sport's highest ranking. He will now turn his focus to the remainder of the season and the next events on the ATP calendar.