French Open 2023 – Alexander Zverev wants to know in Roland-Garos: “Six more wins” for the German

Alexander Zverev got off to a good start when he returned to the French Open. But the big challenges are still waiting.

Before training on the day off, Alexander Zverev took a little time for the fans and posed in a good mood for photos. After the successful start at the French Open, Zverev is currently spreading a healthy dose of optimism in Paris. “Six more wins in the next two weeks would be good,” said Germany’s best tennis player when asked what he was hoping for in Paris in the coming days.

Six victories that separate Zverev from his big dream called the Grand Slam title. Of course, the road to get there is long. Very far. Zverev knows that too, whose answer was probably to be understood with a slight wink – and yet: After the successful comeback at the site of his greatest trauma, the severe ankle injury a year ago, at least the belief in his own strength seems to be back.

Altmaier and Hanfmann believe in chance

And Daniel Altmaier also believes in his chance against top player Jannik Sinner: “I’m going out on the pitch to win the game,” he said before taking revenge against the Italian, whom he was on the verge of losing at the US Open 2022. As the last remaining German woman in the individual competition, Anna-Lena Friedsam challenges Jekaterina Alexandrowa, who was placed 23rd.

Meanwhile, Zverev continues to enjoy his unusual calm on the Roland Garros facility. “I really like being under the radar, it’s more relaxed. The less attention the better,” he said. After the seven-month injury break and the subsequent lack of top form, he has by no means regained the status of a title contender and can – apart from the autograph hunters – move largely unmolested.

That could change in the course of the tournament with convincing performances. And that would certainly be in the spirit of the former world number two.

(SID)