“I was under a lot of pressure in Australia, everyone kept telling me that I could become World No. 1 by performing there”- Alexander Zverev

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev has said he was under a lot of pressure during the Australian Open to achieve the World No. 1 ranking.

The German entered the competition as one of the favorites to win and looked in good touch during the first three rounds. He defeated Daniel Altmaier, John Millman and Radu Albot to reach the fourth round where he faced 14th seed Denis Shapovalov.

However, the Canadian defeated the 24-year-old in straight sets to qualify for the quarterfinals. Had Zverev won the Australian Open, he could have been the new World No.1.

In his press conference ahead of the Open Sud de France, the World No. 3 said the pressure associated with clinching the World No. 1 ranking may have contributed to his early exit.

“I was under a lot of pressure in Australia, everyone kept telling me that I could become World No. 1 by performing there, and I was disappointed with my result. I watched the end of the final even though I would have liked to be there. Rafa was incredible, extraordinary. We must also congratulate Daniil who was extraordinary,” Zverev said.

Alexander Zverev is the No. 1 seed at the Open Sud de France

The World No.3 is the top seed at the Open Sud de France

Zverev will be competing at the Open Sud de France as the top seed. The German last took part in the tournament in 2017 and won the singles title by defeating Richard Gasquet in the final. He also won the doubles title with his brother Mischa Zverev, defeating Fabrice Martin and Daniel Nestor in the final.

“I come back here to Montpellier because I have great memories here, I like the weather here, the sun and I won in 2017 with my brother," the World No. 3 said.

The German is the favorite to win the tournament. However, the likes of Roberto Bautista Agut and Gael Monfils are capable of giving him a tough fight.

Being the top seed, the 24-year-old will receive a bye to the second round and will face either Ilya Ivashka or Mackenzie McDonald.

Provided the German wins the tournament, he will become the first non-French player to win the Open de Sud France multiple times since Ivan Ljubicic in 2009. It will also be the 20th title of his career.

The World No. 3 has won five of his seven matches this season and will hope to improve his form in the coming weeks.