Zverev believes playing good tennis for so many years has led to recent withdrawals.
Nadal is currently world number one for the first time since July 2014.
Murray has not played since Wimbledon due to a hip injury.
Two-year rankings would allow more players to take breaks and rest up.
Nadal can become world No1 if he makes the semi-finals at the Rogers Cup this week.
The Swiss number two is "extremely disappointed" about not being able to defend title at Flushing Meadows.
Federer won his 19th men's singles Grand Slam title at Wimbledon this year.
Thiem is one of many young players who are expected to be the new generation.
Injuries and poor form have disrupted Murray's year so far.
Nadal is just 285 points behind world number one Andy Murray.
Former world number one has never previously missed a Grand Slam, but will not play at next month's US Open.
Djokovic had to retire from his Wimbledon quarter-final match against Tomas Berdych due to injury.
Federer has won 5 of the 7 events he has played in 2017.
Demands on the sport's finest-ever competitors is greater than ever - when we should be looking after them.
Federer has had a career resurgence this year with five titles including two Grand Slams.
The former world number crashed out of Wimbledon after retiring due to injury.
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal all crashed out of Wimbledon.
Tomas Berdych progresses to meet Roger Federer in Friday's semi-final.
Djokovic will have no rest as he takes on Tomas Berdych in the quarter-final on Wednesday.
Three-time champion to face Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals after 6-2 7-6 6-4 victory.
Organisers insist switching Djokovic vs Adrian Mannarino onto Cente Court would have created a huge safety issue.
World number 26 sees off two-time champion in gripping five-setter on 'Manic Monday' at SW19.