Arnaud Clement, the former Australian Open finalist, has offered a critical analysis of Alexander Zverev’s chances of winning a Grand Slam title, suggesting that without significant evolution in his game, the German will continue to fall short. Clement believes that Zverev’s current playing style, while solid, won’t be enough to topple the top contenders, particularly Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, if they are firing on all cylinders.
Zverev’s recent performance at the 2025 Australian Open further fuelled Clement’s concerns. In a decisive final, the world No. 2 was defeated 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 by Sinner, adding to his growing tally of losses in Grand Slam finals. With an 0-3 record in major finals, Zverev has yet to clinch a Grand Slam title, having also lost two five-set battles in 2020 and 2024 against Dominic Thiem and Alcaraz, respectively.
Reflecting on the Australian Open during the tournament’s first week, Clement had already predicted Zverev’s inability to capture the trophy. “Zverev will not win the Australian Open, nor any other Grand Slam tournament, but I could be wrong,” Clement told Eurosport, pointing to the persistent flaws in Zverev’s game that have lingered for years.
In a follow-up to his prediction, Clement doubled down on his assessment, expressing that his critique was not borne out of malice but rather from a belief in Zverev’s untapped potential. “I am always very tough [on Zverev], and it is not a particular desire on my part to be so,” he explained. Clement emphasized that Zverev’s on-court performance should speak for itself, rather than needing to be justified by words. “When he talks about the work he’s putting in, that work should be visible. And it is, to a degree, on the court.”
Looking ahead to the clay season and beyond, Clement offered a stark warning. “If we get to Roland Garros and nothing has changed in Zverev’s game, it will be more of the same,” he cautioned. “If there’s no evolution, he will not win.” However, he softened his critique slightly, acknowledging that there could be outside factors that could potentially open a window for Zverev to seize the title. “It’s harsh to say he won’t win because circumstances can change—if Sinner is suspended or Alcaraz is injured, maybe he’ll have a chance,” he remarked.
But Clement’s broader point remains that, in a draw with both Sinner and Alcaraz at full strength, Zverev is unlikely to prevail. “If those two are in the draw and fully healthy, I don’t see Zverev having any chance against them,” he said. Clement pointed out that Zverev’s more cautious, wait-and-see approach to matches cannot be compensated for by his powerful serve alone. Without a more aggressive, adaptable game, the German may find himself outmatched by the rising stars of men’s tennis.
In summary, Clement’s analysis underscores a critical crossroads for Zverev’s career: unless he can adapt and evolve his game significantly, especially against the game’s top competitors, his chances of winning a Grand Slam appear slim. The clock is ticking, and as Sinner and Alcaraz continue to rise, Zverev must find ways to meet the challenge.