PARIS – Alexander Zverev has spent years putting himself in a position to win a Grand Slam title.
Now, he may have one of his best opportunities yet.
As the French Open enters its final stage, the men’s draw looks a lot different than it did when the tournament began. Most of the top threats have not stopped, leaving Zverev among the most successful players left in the field.
That alone does not guarantee anything.
But it creates an opportunity that was difficult to find when it was full of players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Zverev has been one of the most consistent players on tour for nearly a decade. He has many Masters 1000 titles, an Olympic gold medal and has reached the finals of Grand Slams many times. However, the greatest achievement in sports has yet to be achieved.
You’ve come close before.
The Germans held a two-set lead in the tournament 2020 US Open final before falling to Dominic Thiem in five sets. Four years later, he reached the final of the French Open and pushed Alcaraz a long way before finishing second.
That loss never ends.
Players manage those moments, especially when another opportunity presents itself.
At the same time, that experience can help.
There aren’t many players left in the draw who have spent a lot of time competing in high-pressure matches at the major stages. Zverev knows what the second week of the main feels like. He understands the attention, expectations and questions that come with being considered a legitimate title contender.
In wrestling, he has long been one of the toughest players in the sport.
His offer can earn him free points when he needs them the most. His backhand remains one of the most reliable icons in men’s tennis, and his forehand has improved significantly throughout his career. When he plays with confidence, he has the ability to make points without taking unnecessary risks.
However, the biggest obstacle may not be over the net.
It can be the pressure that comes with knowing that this is a real opportunity to take home a major title.
Grand Slam opportunities are priceless. The players spend all their work waiting for a draw to open or situations to break their way. When it does, the challenge becomes taking advantage of it.
This is where Zverev finds himself now.
The road ahead remains difficult. The remaining players are there for a reason, and every game from this point forward carries high stakes. One bad service game, one lapse in concentration or one hot streak from an opponent can change everything.
But there’s no doubt that the conversation around Zverev feels different this year.
For most of his career, discussions have focused on whether he can make it to contention.
He has done that.
Now the focus is on whether he can finish the job.
The opportunity is there.
What happens next could determine how this French Open – and perhaps Zverev’s career – is ultimately remembered.
