Alexander Zverev is the new favourite at Roland Garros following Novak Djokovic’s exit from the tournament.
Djokovic fell to Joao Fonseca on Friday, with the Brazilian bringing a halt to the Serb’s pursuit of major number 25 by coming back from two sets down in a thriller on Court Philippe Chatrier.
His defeat follows that of world number one Jannik Sinner, who was beaten in the second round by Juan Manuel Cerundolo amid physical issues.
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With no Carlos Alcaraz in Paris this year due to a wrist injury, Zverev is now in pole position, and may never get a better chance at securing a maiden Grand Slam title.
But it won’t be entirely plain sailing for the German, and seven-time major champion Mats Wilander thinks there is one player in particular who will cause him problems.
Mats Wilander discusses Alexander Zverev’s chances in Paris
Asked on TNT Sports if this is Zverev’s best chance at capturing an elusive major crown, Wilander said: “I believe so.
“It better be this time because if not, maybe not. But just like Caroline Wozniacki. At some point she was going to win one, if you put yourself there you are going to have luck on your side.
“The truth is that if Zverev had luck on his side he might have had a US Open title already, he was up against Alcaraz there. I think he is going to win one.
“I don’t know if it’s here. I like the way Joao Fonseca played. I think he will be tough to beat, I really do.
Where do you think Joao Fonseca will be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
“There are a lot of young guys in the draw who are tough to beat. But Sascha is definitely the favourite.”
Tennis legend John McEnroe added: “What about if Fonseca plays Ruud. Ruud has been in the finals, he knows what it’s about.
“Fonseca is younger, you would presume he would bounce back quicker. But that one is going to be quite interesting – night match! I can’t wait for that.”
Fonseca will face two-time Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud for the first time in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday.
Alexander Zverev’s head-to-head record with Joao Fonseca
Should Zverev and Fonseca meet in the semifinals, it won’t be their first meeting on the ATP Tour.
Their maiden clash came earlier in this year’s clay swing at the Monte-Carlo Masters, when they faced off in the quarterfinals.
Fonseca looked promising in the matchup with world number three, and managed to force a decider, but ultimately could not get over the line.
Zverev won the bout 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, but now they may play a best-of-five match for the first time at Roland Garros, with a place in the final up for grabs.
To get there, Zverev will need to beat Jesper de Jong and then either Rafael Jodar or Pablo Carreño Busta.
While Fonseca needs to overcome Ruud, followed by one of Jakub Mensik or Andrey Rublev.
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