As the 2025 French Open charges into its decisive stages at Roland Garros, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation, and Alexander Zverev has stirred the conversation with a bold take on the men’s singles title race. The German star, fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Holger Rune in the fourth round on June 2, 2025, has dismissed the notion of Novak Djokovic as an underdog while anointing Carlos Alcaraz as the favorite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires. Zverev’s comments, delivered with his characteristic candor, underscore the high stakes and fierce competition defining this year’s tournament, where youth, experience, and resilience collide on the Parisian clay.
Zverev, the No. 4 seed and a perennial contender, spoke with authority when asked about Djokovic’s prospects. “He’s never going to be a dark horse,” Zverev declared, emphasizing the Serb’s enduring prowess despite a challenging season. Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, arrived at Roland Garros without a title in 2025 and has battled injury concerns, including a knee issue that required strapping during his grueling five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo. Yet, Zverev, who faces No. 7 seed Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals, refused to count out the world No. 1. “For me, Carlos is the favorite. I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak,” he said, placing Alcaraz at the top but acknowledging Djokovic’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard and defending champion, has been a force on clay, powering into the quarterfinals with a 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win over Ben Shelton. His dynamic game—blending explosive forehands, deft drop shots, and relentless energy—has made him the man to beat. Zverev’s endorsement of Alcaraz as the favorite reflects the Spaniard’s dominance, with 100 tour-level clay wins in just 119 matches, a record second only to Rafael Nadal in the Open Era. “Carlos is playing unbelievable tennis,” Zverev noted, praising the No. 3 seed’s ability to dictate points and thrive under pressure. Alcaraz’s recent act of sportsmanship, conceding a point to Shelton after an illegal volley, further cements his status as a fan favorite and a formidable competitor.
Djokovic, meanwhile, continues to defy expectations. His 4-hour, 39-minute marathon against Cerundolo, which ended 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, showcased his legendary resilience. “I don’t follow his game closely, but I know he’s fighting through challenges,” Zverev said when asked if he had tracked Djokovic’s matches. The Serb’s path to a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title is fraught with obstacles, including a potential semifinal clash with either Zverev or Ruud. Yet, his history at Roland Garros—where he has won three titles, including 2023—makes him a perennial threat. “Novak’s always there when it matters,” Zverev added, a nod to Djokovic’s ability to summon his best tennis in critical moments.
The tournament’s narrative is enriched by Jannik Sinner, the No. 2 seed and Australian Open champion, who dispatched Corentin Moutet 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals. Sinner’s steady rise and powerful baseline game make him a serious contender, though Zverev’s inclusion of himself in the top tier reflects his own confidence. The German, who reached the 2024 French Open final, is chasing his first Grand Slam title and sees this as his moment. “I feel like I’m playing some of my best tennis,” he said after his win over Rune, highlighting his improved movement and aggressive shot-making on clay.
The French Open’s final week promises drama, with Alcaraz facing No. 12 seed Tommy Paul, Sinner taking on No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov, and Djokovic battling No. 23 Francisco Cerundolo’s conqueror in the quarters. Zverev’s matchup against Ruud, a rematch of last year’s semifinal, adds another layer of intrigue. The Norwegian, a two-time finalist, is a clay-court specialist, but Zverev’s recent form gives him an edge. “It’s going to be a tough battle,” Zverev predicted, acknowledging Ruud’s tenacity.
As Roland Garros unfolds, Zverev’s comments frame a compelling storyline: Alcaraz as the frontrunner, Djokovic as the indomitable veteran, and a host of challengers, including Zverev and Sinner, ready to seize the moment. The German’s refusal to label Djokovic a “dark horse” resonates with fans who know the Serb’s capacity for greatness, while his nod to Alcaraz captures the Spaniard’s electrifying form. With the clay courts of Paris as their battleground, these titans are set to deliver a spectacle that will define the 2025 French Open.
Leave a Reply