Alexander Zverev was imperious on his way to the Rome Open title, and good value for his latest piece of silverware.
It marks the latest title to add to the 21 he had previously won, and it was actually the second time the German had achieved such success in Italy at this Masters 1000 Event.
So, having shone on clay once again, and with Roland Garros just around the corner, the 27-year-old has unsurprisingly shot up to become one of the favourites to thrive in France.
However, he has sought to play down his chances, instead talking up the competition who may have looked a little downtrodden of late.
Alexander Zverev makes Roland Garros prediction
Of those competing in the French Open, there are four who will likely dominate headlines more than most. However, they each all share their own detractions at the moment too.
Novak Djokovic is in faltering form and Rafael Nadal just does not have that explosive physicality anymore as he winds down a remarkable career.
Then, at the other end of the age spectrum, Jannik Sinner’s injury threatened to curtail his entire career were it to become chronic, and so there will be an element of fear should he play later this month.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz is still nursing a forearm injury, and missed Rome completely to try and ease it.
So, despite all that, Zverev still expects this quartet to cause the most issues, as he told the Rome Open Press (via Tennis.com): ‘Nole is going to be at his best level, you’ll see, that’s how he is.
‘Rafa will play much better than in Madrid and Rome, I’m sure of that.
‘As for Jannik and Carlos, it depends on their health. If they are well, they are two of the best players in the world, there’s no doubt about it. I saw that Jannik uploaded a photo training, so I guess he’s feeling good on the court.’
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are not the superpower anymore
When combing back through previous Roland Garros winners, it seems ludicrous to bet against one of Nadal or Djokovic not pulling through to win the title.
After all, since 2004, only two other men have lifted the trophy, with the Swiss duo Stan Wawrinka and Roger Federer both winning the title once each.
Djokovic has three titles, but way alone at the top is unsurprisingly Nadal (14 titles), who has exercised dominance at this tournament unlike anything we have and ever will see again.
But this year, it all seems different.
Djokovic has looked laboured and far from himself in far too many matches this year, and the raw power of Hubert Hurkacz was more than enough to easily brush aside the legendary Spaniard in Rome earlier this month.
So, it marks a worrying time for these two, but promises a rare opening for whoever fancies stepping up like Zverev did in Rome.
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