In a gripping second-round clash at the 2025 French Open, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev showcased his resilience on the clay courts of Roland Garros, overcoming a sluggish start to defeat Dutchman Jesper de Jong 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 on May 29, 2025. The match, played on Court Simonne-Mathieu, saw the German star shake off an early setback to secure his place in the third round, marking his eighth consecutive appearance at this stage of the tournament. Zverev’s performance, which blended powerful serving with tactical adjustments, underscored his status as a perennial contender at Roland Garros, where he reached the final in 2024, and highlighted his determination to claim that elusive first Grand Slam title.
Zverev entered the match as the overwhelming favorite, fresh off a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over American teenager Learner Tien in the first round. “It was a good start to the tournament,” Zverev had said after that win, expressing satisfaction with a straight-sets result that contrasted with his tendency for longer first-round battles. Against de Jong, ranked No. 88, Zverev faced a tougher challenge than expected. The Dutchman, coming off a grueling five-set comeback against Francesco Passaro, seized the initiative early, breaking Zverev in the second game to take a 3-0 lead. De Jong’s crafty shot-making and net play outmaneuvered a flat-footed Zverev, who struggled with unforced errors and failed to find rhythm, dropping the first set 6-3 in just 45 minutes. “Jesper was playing with utmost freedom,” one observer noted, highlighting the Dutchman’s ability to capitalize on Zverev’s slow start.
The lost set proved a wake-up call for Zverev. The 27-year-old, who has reached the semi-finals in each of the last four French Opens, shifted gears in the second set, leveraging his powerful first serve—averaging over 200 km/h and landing eight aces—to dominate. He broke de Jong early and raced to a 6-1 win in 36 minutes, capitalizing on the Dutchman’s fatigue from his first-round marathon. “I started to react with my shots, being more aggressive,” Zverev later reflected, noting how he adjusted by hitting deeper returns and moving more decisively. The third set saw Zverev find his groove, his forehand finding angles that pushed de Jong back. A crucial break in the fifth game gave him a 6-2 set win, as de Jong’s energy waned, his 47 unforced errors piling up compared to Zverev’s more disciplined 25.
In the fourth set, Zverev maintained control, though de Jong showed flashes of resilience, saving a break point and briefly recovering a break. However, a double fault from de Jong handed Zverev three match points, and a failed slice sealed the German’s victory after nearly three hours of play. “I’m happy with the performance all around,” Zverev said, echoing his relief at advancing despite the early scare. His 90% first-serve point win rate and ability to save all four break points after the first set underscored his clay-court prowess, where he boasts a 35-10 career record at Roland Garros.
Zverev’s journey at the 2025 French Open carries added weight after a mixed season. A finalist at the Australian Open and champion at the Munich ATP 500, he faced criticism following early exits in Indian Wells and Miami. Yet, his consistency at Roland Garros—reaching at least the quarterfinals in six of his nine appearances—makes him a formidable threat. “I feel like I’m ready for what’s to come,” Zverev said, dispelling concerns about a recent illness that had briefly disrupted his preparation. His next opponent will be either Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi, setting up an intriguing third-round clash as he eyes a deep run.
The match also highlighted de Jong’s potential, despite the loss. The 24-year-old Dutchman, who reached the Murcia Challenger final earlier in 2025, showed he could compete with the elite, though his 0-4 record against top-10 players and physical fatigue limited his challenge. “He’s a dangerous player with nothing to lose,” Zverev acknowledged, praising de Jong’s fight. As Zverev moves forward, his ability to overcome early adversity signals his readiness for the grueling battles ahead, with top seeds like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz potentially awaiting. For now, the German remains focused on sustaining his momentum in Paris, where his quest for Grand Slam glory burns brighter than ever.
# Alexander Zverev Battles Back to Defeat Jesper de Jong at 2025 French Open
## A Slow Start
Alexander Zverev, the No. 3 seed, overcame a challenging first set to defeat Jesper de Jong 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of the 2025 French Open on May 29. The match, on Court Simonne-Mathieu, saw de Jong take a 3-0 lead, winning the first set 6-3 with crafty play.
## Turning the Tide
Zverev, a 2024 finalist, regrouped in the second set, using his 200 km/h serve and eight aces to win 6-1. “I started to react with my shots, being more aggressive,” he said. His 90% first-serve win rate and fewer errors (25 vs. de Jong’s 47) shifted momentum.
## Dominance on Clay
The German’s forehand found angles in the third set, securing a 6-2 win. Despite de Jong’s resilience in the fourth, Zverev sealed the match after a double fault gifted him three match points. “I’m happy with the performance all around,” he noted, marking his eighth straight third-round appearance.
## De Jong’s Fight
De Jong, ranked No. 88, showed potential after a five-set first-round win. “He’s a dangerous player with nothing to lose,” Zverev said. Fatigue from his prior match limited the Dutchman, who still managed 80% first-serve points.
## Looking Ahead
Zverev, with a 35-10 Roland Garros record, faces Flavio Cobolli or Matteo Arnaldi next. “I feel like I’m ready for what’s to come,” he said, eyeing a deep run after a season with an Australian Open final and Munich title.
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