French Open 2024: Is this Alexander Zverev's best shot at winning a Grand Slam?
Alexander Zverev is one of the most in-form players going into the 2024 French Open. The German made his way to the last four of the Italian Open as the preparation for Roland Garros heats up.
Zverev has been taking giant steps towards a Grand Slam title in the last few years. The 27-year-old was a set away from winning the 2020 US Open before Dominic Thiem mounted a memorable comeback to stun the German.
Now, with the French Open coming up on his beloved clay surface, Zverev will hope he can finally announce himself to the world with Roland Garros glory.
Alexander Zverev's history on clay courts
Historically, Zverev has thrived on the European clay courts. He has made three semifinals at the French Open, which is his highest among the four Grand Slams. However, Zverev's semifinal defeat in 2022 is likely to weigh heavy on his heart.
Zverev faced Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open semifinal, in front of a packed Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris. The duo engaged in an intense first set that was settled with Nadal winning the tie-break. Despite losing the first set, Zverev refused to budge and seemed likely to claim the biggest win of his career.
However, an unfortunate ankle injury meant that the German had to retire when the score read 7-6(8), 6-6, and Nadal made his way to the final. The Spaniard went on to win the final against Casper Ruud, but it could have been Zverev playing against the Norwegian, if not for his unfortunate injury.
Alexander Zverev has developed a game that suits the clay surface. The German depends on his big serves and court coverage to get on top of his opponents. His ability to slide on the clay is a bonus that has further helped him dominate such courts.
Zverev has his best win percentage on clay courts compared to other surfaces too. The German has won 69% of the matches throughout his career on clay. Currently, Zverev is the second-best server in men's tennis, only behind Hubert Hurkacz. The 27-year-old has a 72.2% success rate on first serves and averages around 8 aces per match.
Despite his Grand Slam struggles, Zverev has managed to claim big titles on clay courts. Out of his 21 trophies, 7 were won on clay, including two Madrid Open titles and 1 Italian Open triumph.
His serving form and history on clay have made Zverev one of the favourites for the French Open 2024. However, it will be the German's mentality that influences his chances of a maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros 2024.
Alexander Zverev confident of 'beating anyone' at the French Open
After narrowly missing out on French Open glory in 2022, Zverev has declared his intention of winning in Paris in 2024. The German star is confident of beating any opponent on clay courts as he continues to find his rhythm before the Grand Slam in Paris.
"I know that once I find my rhythm and once I find my strength, I can beat anyone, especially on this surface. So I have to focus on myself, focus on my game, and find my rhythm. Then I think that's going to give me the best chance of winning," Alexander Zverev said.
Zverev's confidence may stem from the fact that the 2024 French Open is set to be one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent times. With Rafael Nadal seemingly in his farewell season and Novak Djokovic struggling for consistency, the Roland Garros title is more up-for-grabs than ever.
Jannik Sinner is rumoured to opt out of the French Open due to an injury suffered at the Madrid Open. Similarly. World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz has had fitness concerns as well, after the Spaniard withdrew from the Italian Open due to a forearm injury.
With top players struggling with injuries and form, it seems like the perfect time for Alexander Zverev to take that much-anticipated next step and win a Major for the first time in his career. The German is well within his rights to dream about Roland Garros glory. Zverev has come close to the title in the past and would be hoping to finally lift the iconic trophy at the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris.