Alexander Zverev has given his verdict on the Roland Garros prospects of his rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after his Italian open victory.
The German feels World No. 1 Djokovic is going to be at his best at Roland Garros and is certain Nadal will play a lot better than he did in Madrid and Rome.
Zverev triumphed against Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 in the championship match on Sunday to seal his second title at the Foro Italico and added 6th Masters 1000 title in his impressive resume. The ATP #4 has taken over Daniil Medvedev in the rankings as he claimed his biggest title at the Italian Open since securing the 2021 ATP Finals.
Zverev’s timely triumph has boosted his chances at the Roland Garros with concerns surrounding defending Djokovic’s form and fitness issues of Alcaraz and Sinner. Roland Garros is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, May 26.
The German, a three-time RG semifinalist was asked what he was expecting from the other favorites at the Paris major.
“Nole is going to be at his best. You’ll see. It’s just the way it is. Rafa is going to play a lot better than he did in Madrid and Rome. I’m certain about that,” he said in his press conference after the Rome final.
“The other two (Alcaraz and Sinner), they just depend on health. If they’re healthy, they’re two of the best players in the world, for sure, and there’s no question about it.
“Whether or not they are healthy, I cannot answer because I don’t know. I’m not inside their body. I saw Jannik posted a picture of him practicing again, so I’m assuming he’s fine and feeling good on the tennis court.
“Look, it’s all about health. When they’re healthy, they’re two of the best players in the world.”
When questioned whether the 27-year-old was surprised by himself after winning 37 of 39 points behind his serve against Jarry on clay.
“For me it happens more on clay than on grass (smiling). Look, I mean, obviously I’ve been playing well all week from the first point of the first round till now. Obviously extremely happy with how things went,” replied the 22-time tour titlist.
“Struggled a little bit in the semi-finals, but got my way out of it. Today was a great performance. I think Nico has been somebody that has been playing extremely well.
“The way that he beat the opponents, what kind of opponents he beat as well shows that he’s been absolutely on fire. I had to neutralize that. I had to neutralize his serve, as well, a lot. Of course, I’m happy to be sitting next to this trophy.”