“Zverev confident after Sinner and Djokovic exit at Roland Garros.”

Alexander Zverev emerges as the clear favorite to win the Roland Garros after the surprising early exits of Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in Paris. The German tennis player, ranked third in the world, sees an open path to finally claim his first Grand Slam title in a tournament that has been marked by surprises.

After Carlos Alcaraz withdrew due to a wrist injury, Zverev took on the status of second seed and has made the most of this opportunity. Seven of the top ten seeds have already fallen, including Sinner and Djokovic, who were defeated respectively by Juan Manuel Cerundolo and João Fonseca, in a true shock for the circuit.

Despite the growing enthusiasm surrounding him, Zverev keeps his feet on the ground. After defeating Quentin Halys in four sets, the German downplayed his status as a favorite: “I know that tomorrow I play against de Jong, who has already won six matches here, and that is what I am focused on. I know who I will face next, and that is the only thing I can control: the matches ahead of me. Everything else will fall into place.” These words reveal a focused Zverev, determined not to be distracted by the frenzy surrounding him.

Zverev’s career in Grand Slam finals has been marked by disappointments. Since his loss in the 2020 US Open final, where he squandered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem, to the 2024 Roland Garros final, when he lost in five sets to Alcaraz after being ahead two sets to one, the German has accumulated painful setbacks. His most recent final, at the 2025 Australian Open, was his clearest defeat, as he fell in straight sets to Sinner.

However, confidence in Zverev is growing among experts. Alex Corretja, a commentator for TNT Sports during the French Open, believes this could be a decisive moment for the German: “It has to be Zverev. I think he has been waiting for this moment. Whenever he lost a Grand Slam final, it was because he lost to better players than him, who had more power, especially on the forehand. Now, I don’t see many players who can dominate him, and I believe the night sessions on Chatrier favor his game.”

So far, Zverev has only dropped one set in this edition of the French Open, precisely against Halys in the third round, before closing the victory in four sets. His next opponent, de Jong, has already been defeated by him twice in their encounters on the ATP circuit, both on clay, in Hamburg 2024 and at the French Open 2025.

With fallen stars and the path opening up, Alexander Zverev is one step away from finally turning the dream of his first Grand Slam title into reality. His concentration and experience will be tested to the limit in the fight for the most coveted trophy in world tennis. France eagerly awaits the new crowning of a champion.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.