Alexander Zverev assessed the French Open prospects of his rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after his Italian Open triumph.
The German predicted 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 defeated Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 in the final of the 2024 Italian Open on Sunday to claim his second title at the event and sixth Masters 1000 crown overall.
The 27-year-old has overtaken Daniil Medvedev to climb to world No 4 in the ATP Rankings after securing his biggest title since winning the 2021 ATP Finals.
Zverev’s timely triumph has seen him boost his status as a French Open contender, with question marks hanging over the form of Djokovic form and the fitness of Sinner and Alcaraz. Roland Garros will get underway on Sunday May 26.
Zverev, a three-time French Open semi-finalist, was asked what he was expecting from the other favourites at the Paris Grand Slam.
“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 practising 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.”
The 22-time ATP titlist also addressed whether he was surprised that he won 37 of 39 points behind his first 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,” assessed Zverev.
“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 neutralise his serve, as well, a lot. Of course, I’m happy to be sitting next to this trophy.”
