As the red clay of Roland Garros prepares to welcome the world’s top tennis talents in late May, one name is buzzing louder than most: Alexander Zverev. The towering German, currently perched at world number two, has been pegged as a serious contender for the 2025 French Open title by a former world number one, adding fuel to the fire of anticipation surrounding this clay-court Grand Slam. With a resume boasting seven Masters 1000 titles, two ATP Finals triumphs, and an Olympic gold medal, Zverev’s credentials are undeniable—yet the elusive Grand Slam crown remains just out of reach. This prediction, coming from a tennis legend who once ruled the rankings, underscores the belief that Zverev’s moment on the Parisian clay might finally be at hand.
Zverev’s journey to this point has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and heartbreak. At 27, he’s already etched his name into tennis lore with a career that blends raw power with relentless determination. His 6-foot-6 frame delivers booming serves and punishing groundstrokes, a combination that’s seen him conquer some of the sport’s biggest stages. “He’s got everything it takes to win a major,” the former world number one has declared, pointing to Zverev’s recent form as evidence of his readiness. Indeed, his 2024 season was a testament to his resilience—reaching the French Open final, where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set epic, and securing a second Italian Open title on the same clay that will soon test him again in Paris. That Rome victory, a straight-sets masterclass against Nicolas Jarry, showcased his ability to dominate on the surface, a skill he’ll need in spades at Roland Garros.
The French Open has long been a proving ground for Zverev, a tournament where he’s tasted both agony and promise. Three consecutive semifinals from 2021 to 2023 highlight his consistency, but it’s the scars that tell the deeper story. In 2022, he was locked in a titanic battle with Rafael Nadal when a horrific ankle injury—tearing three ligaments—forced him off the court in a wheelchair, ending his run and his season. “It’s the one where I have the most memories, good or bad,” Zverev has reflected, his voice carrying the weight of those near-misses. The 2024 final, where he led Alcaraz two sets to one only to falter in the fifth, added another chapter to that bittersweet tale. Yet, it’s precisely this history that fuels the optimism of the former number one, who insists, “He’s so close—he’s learned from those moments, and that’s what will push him over the line.”
Zverev’s clay-court prowess isn’t just about power; it’s about adaptability. His two-handed backhand, a weapon of pinpoint accuracy, slices through opponents’ defenses, while his improved movement on the slippery surface has silenced early doubters. The Italian Open triumph last year was a statement—he dropped just one set all tournament, blending aggression with composure. “When I play well, I know I can beat anyone,” Zverev has said, a mindset that echoes the confidence of a champion. The former world number one agrees, noting that Zverev’s ability to stay calm under pressure sets him apart from peers who’ve crumbled on the big stage. With rivals like Jannik Sinner, fresh off a doping suspension, and an aging Novak Djokovic facing fitness questions, the door feels wider open than ever.
But Paris won’t be a cakewalk. Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, looms as a formidable obstacle, his 6-4 head-to-head edge over Zverev a reminder of their electric rivalry. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, remains a wildcard despite recent struggles, while Sinner’s hunger to reclaim his top ranking adds another layer of intrigue. Zverev, though, has his own narrative to write. His off-court challenges—a settled domestic abuse case that shadowed his 2024 campaign—have only sharpened his focus. “He’s matured, on and off the court,” the former number one has observed, suggesting that this mental fortitude could be the X-factor in Paris.
As the tennis world turns its gaze to Roland Garros, Zverev stands at a crossroads. He’s no longer the prodigy chasing a breakthrough; he’s a seasoned contender with scars to prove it. The clay courts of Paris have tested his body and spirit, but they’ve also forged a player who believes his time is near. With a legend’s endorsement ringing in his ears and a game primed for the challenge, Zverev’s quest for French Open glory promises to be one of the defining stories of 2025—a tale of talent, tenacity, and the tantalizing prospect of a first Grand Slam crown.