Alexander Zverev is once again aiming for his first Grand Slam title, the ‘unfinished’ player stands before his coronation.
Browsing through a local bookstore, the face of Germany’s top tennis player catches the eye. ‘Alexander Zverev: The Unfinished’ is prominently displayed on the cover of a recently released biography about the Hamburg native, which also delves into his so far disappointing Grand Slam record. However, the label ‘unfinished’ could finally become a thing of the past as early as Sunday.
At the French Open, Zverev is once again close to his goal, with only one step left to achieve his big dream. The chance for his first major triumph in his 41st attempt has never been greater; in the showdown for the Coupe des Mousquetaires, he is the clear favorite against his Italian friend Flavio Cobolli.
«I’m happy to be on this stage again,» said Zverev after his 7:5, 6:2, 3:6, 6:3 semi-final victory against Czech player Jakub Mensik. However, as he has throughout the entire tournament at Bois de Boulogne, the 29-year-old avoided bold declarations before the final, focusing solely on himself and appearing relaxed externally. Of course, the pressure is immense, as more than just this first title at one of the four major tournaments is at stake.
John McEnroe on Alexander Zverev: ‘This Could Open the Floodgates for Him’
«This could open the floodgates for him,» said seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe on TNT Sports. «If he wins this, he could suddenly approach opponents he’s struggled with more confidently. He could believe in himself more.»
Those opponents are primarily Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have dominated the major events in recent years at will – and have repeatedly brought Zverev to despair. But because one sensationally failed in the second round in Paris, and the other couldn’t even compete due to injury, the door opened early for the Tokyo Olympic champion, who then left little doubt about reaching the final.
And the sudden turn of events, with Cobolli advancing to the final without a fight against his injured compatriot Matteo Arnaldi, should only be a side note for Zverev. «I’ve focused on my things. And I will continue to do so.» The only thing he has influence over is his «next match. I can’t control anything else, I won’t control it, and I don’t want to control it.»
Alexander Zverev Could End Germany’s Grand Slam Drought
With this mindset, Zverev now wants to overcome the final hurdle, Cobolli, against whom he lost only once in Munich in April. The triumph would mark the first Grand Slam victory for a German player since Boris Becker at the Australian Open in 1996 and the first success at the French Open since Henner Henkel 89 years ago. Cobolli is «a great player. Super talented, super young, always improving,» said Zverev. He will «prepare for a tough match and hopefully be able to show my level.»
The world number three has his sporting coronation firmly in sight. There is no time left to look in the rearview mirror. «Right now, I’m not interested in that,» Zverev dismissed a journalist’s question about his most important milestones on the way to his fourth major final. «You can ask me again on Sunday.»