Alexander Zverev assessed the French Open prospects of his rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after his Italian Open triumph.
The German predicted Djokovic is “going to be at his best” at Roland Garros and is “certain” Nadal will play “a lot better than he did in Madrid and Rome.”
Zverev defeated Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 in the final of the 2024 Italian Open on Sunday to claim his second title at the event and sixth Masters 1000 crown overall.
Zverev’s timely triumph has seen him boost his status as a French Open contender, with question marks hanging over the form of Djokovic form and the fitness of Sinner and Alcaraz. Roland Garros will get underway on Sunday May 26.
Zverev, a three-time French Open semi-finalist, was asked what he was expecting from the other favourites at the Paris Grand Slam.
“Nole is going to be at his best. You’ll see. It’s just the way it is. Rafa is going to play a lot better than he did in Madrid and Rome. I’m certain about that,” he said in his press conference after the Rome final.
“The other two (Alcaraz and Sinner), they just depend on health. If they’re healthy, they’re two of the best players in the world, for sure, and there’s no question about it.
“Whether or not they are healthy, I cannot answer because I don’t know. I’m not inside their body. I saw Jannik posted a picture of him practising again, so I’m assuming he’s fine and feeling good on the tennis court.
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