Alexander Zverev is not giving up on his dream of winning a Grand Slam title after describing the upcoming French Open as the major event he looks forward to the most.
The world No.3 has played in 36 Grand Slam main draws in his career, reaching the final of the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open and this year’s Australian Open. In the first two of those finals, he led by two sets to love and two sets to one before losing. Meanwhile, in Melbourne, he was defeated in straight sets by Jannik Sinner.
Outside of the four Grand Slams, Zverev has won at least one title in every other tournament category. He has won eight ATP 250s, six 500s, seven Masters 1000s, two ATP Finals and an Olympic gold medal.
“Roland Garros is my main goal, that’s for sure. I said that last year, I think the Grand Slams are my main targets.” Zverev said after beating Vilius Gaubas at the Italian Open.
“In Australia, I was in the final. Of course it was very bitter, just sad for me to lose the way I lost in Australia.
“But luckily, we have four chances a year. For me, Roland Garros is always kind of the one I’m looking forward to the most.
“I hope I can play good tennis there. Just show my strengths.”
Another player targeting success in Paris will be Novak Djokovic, whom Zverev has played 13 times on the Tour. Djokovic has experienced a disappointing clay swing after suffering early exits in both Monte Carlo and Madrid before deciding to skip Rome. His only chance of getting some clay-court wins under his belt before the French Open will be at the Geneva Open, for which he has accepted a wildcard to play.
Despite Djokovic’s lacklustre form in recent weeks, Zverev believes his rival should not be ruled out of contention. The Serbian won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which was staged at the same venue as the French Open.
“Maybe he didn’t play up to his standard or his liking, but who does sometimes. If you’re not winning the tournament, if you’re a top guy and you’re not winning the tournament, you always go home a little bit pissed and a little bit upset.” Zverev commented.
“I still believe once he finds his game, he’s still one of the most dangerous players in the world. “There’s no question about his ability at all. It’s more whether he still wants to put in the work. That’s a question for him. I can’t answer that.”
Zverev’s immediate focus is on his Rome title defence. He will play France’s Arthur Fils in the fourth round on Tuesday.
