The German analyzed the highly anticipated upcoming final against Carlos Alcaraz, at the press conference
“I think that in a Slam final there are no easy matches or opponents. If you are in the final at Roland Garros it is because you deserve to be there, so this applies equally to Carlos. He played a fantastic match this afternoon. I too I’ve had a fantastic tournament so far and tomorrow I expect a very difficult match.”
This is the thought expressed by Alexander Zverev at the press conference following his victory in the semi-final against Casper Ruud. Victory which allowed the Spanish champion to reach the final of the French Open, his second Major final in his career. It will be a fascinating challenge against Carlitos Alcaraz. Two different ways of seeing and playing tennis. Two opposing styles, but which are at ease on clay courts. For Zverev it is a final with double meaning. Because it comes two years after the terrible injury suffered in the 2022 semi-final against Rafael Nadal. But also because he has finally closed the case against his former girlfriend.
After three stops in the semi-final, the fourth attempt took him to the final stage of the Paris tournament. The victory against Casper Ruud, not at his best due to stomach problems, will lead him to challenge Alcaraz, with whom the German player has a 5-4 advantage in the previous matches. The German recalled the 2020 US Open final lost to Dominic Thiem in 5th sets, and his exit from the court in a wheelchair in the famous 2022 semi-final in Paris against Nadal, underlining how these were important stages in his growth.
“These are all important stages in my journey. Now I’m in the final, but I haven’t won yet. I just want to play my best tennis and give myself the best chance. If I can do that and lift the trophy, it will mean a lot to me. I haven’t won a Slam yet, now I want to give myself this new opportunity. We’ll see how it goes on Sunday. With Carlos we have had very tough battles in the past. I think he’s a much better player now and I’m probably the player he’s faced the most in his career. I think it will be a tough match, it’s a Grand Slam final, I think we will have a tough battle,” he analyzed.
“In the Slams it’s all battles. And you have to overcome difficult five-set matches, so I’m happy with the path I’ve taken,” added Zverev.