Alexander Zverev may never get a better opportunity at winning a Grand Slam than he does now at Roland Garros, following Jannik Sinner’s second-round exit.
World number one and overwhelming favourite Sinner crashed out of the French Open on Thursday, falling to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in five sets.
How concerned are you about Jannik Sinner’s physical issues going forward in his career?
The Italian’s exit confirmed that his and Carlos Alcaraz‘s streak of nine consecutive major titles won between them will come to an end, with the Spaniard having withdrawn from Roland Garros due to injury.
It also means that second-seed Zverev is now in pole position to go all the way in Paris and finally claim an elusive major title.
Novak Djokovic also still remains in the draw, but former US Open champion Andy Roddick suggested the German is the new favourite.
Andy Roddick discusses Alexander Zverev’s hall of fame status
Speaking in an episode of ‘Served‘, Roddick said of Zverev: “He is going to feel equal parts opportunity and pressure.
“This is his moment, time. Maybe the first time, even though he has had so much success, he is the favourite at this point in a Slam, or at least he thinks he’s the favourite.
“All eyes on Novak against Fonseca, and then if Novak falls into the quarters, I think he automatically falls into the favourite based on experience and success.
“Zverev though, would tell you this, if he does not win a Slam, is he a Hall of Fame? I don’t know, it hasn’t worked that way recently. If he wins a Slam there is no question. He’s at 550 wins already and it’s not like he’s fading, he’s won 30 matches already this year.
Who is your dark horse for the Roland Garros title this year?
“His career metrics outside of a Slam are better than a lot of people who are in, including myself. If you look at Masters 1000 won, he won year in championships, he won the Olympics. There is no doubt.
“If I’m in, he is in. But it literally is going to be about him winning a Slam or not winning a Slam. That is going to be a lot of sleep with for the next 10 nights. But we have seen that he can do it. He is not streaky.
“It’s not as if he’s going to come out and miss every ball. But if you are that guy, and he has said time after time, I am the next one. It’s those two and then I’m the guy. Well, this is it. This is it! This is the chance.
“Just so we are clear. There are no easy passes. Someone is hurt, and someone loses, the best player of all time is still in the draw.”
Alexander Zverev’s head-to-head record with Novak Djokovic
Zverev is on a semifinal collision course with Djokovic, who has his number at ATP Tour-level competitions.
Djokovic leads Zverev 9-5 in their head-to-head, including 4-1 at Grand Slams, and 2-0 at Roland Garros.
Their most recent matchup at the French Open came in the quarterfinals last year, where Djokovic emerged victorious in four sets.
Zverev’s last win over Djokovic on clay came in their first-ever bout back in 2017 in the Italian Open final.
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