Alexander Zverev: Kann er endlich den Grand-Slam-Titel gewinnen?

French Open: Can Alexander Zverev Finally Claim His First Grand Slam Title?

As the 2026 French Open approaches, Alexander Zverev stands on the cusp of history. The German tennis star, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most gifted players, has come agonizingly close to securing his first Grand Slam title across multiple majors. Now, with a final appearance in Paris, the question lingers: will this be the moment Zverev finally breaks through?

Zverev, 27, enters the tournament as a heavy favorite against Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli, but his path to a title has been marked by heartbreak. Since his first Grand Slam final in 2020, Zverev has faced a mix of technical challenges, physical setbacks, and psychological hurdles. His journey offers a compelling narrative of near-misses, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

A Near-Miss Legacy

Zverev’s Grand Slam journey has been defined by its proximity to success. His first major final came at the 2020 US Open, where he faced Dominic Thiem. The 23-year-old German had everything in his favor: a weakened field due to the absence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, who was ejected for hitting a lineswoman. Despite leading 2-0 in sets, Zverev faltered, ultimately losing in five sets. “Two gladiators have given everything today,” said Boris Becker, who was coaching Zverev at the time. “It’s a shame he didn’t close it out.”

The loss marked the beginning of a pattern. Zverev’s career has been a series of “what ifs.” In 2022, he faced Rafael Nadal in the French Open semifinals, a match that ended in disaster when Zverev suffered a severe ankle injury. “I felt like I was in top form,” Zverev later said. “But then the injury happened, and it changed everything.” The incident left him with a prolonged recovery and a lingering question: could he ever regain the form that had made him a top-5 player?

The 2020 US Open: A Missed Opportunity

The 2020 US Open remains a pivotal moment in Zverev’s career. With the “Big Three” absent, the stage was set for a new champion. Zverev, then ranked No. 3, entered the tournament as a favorite. However, his final against Thiem proved to be a test of nerves. After taking a two-set lead, Zverev’s composure wavered. Thiem, known for his mental toughness, mounted a comeback, ultimately winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(6), 6-2, 7-6(3).

“It was a tough loss,” Zverev reflected later. “I had so much potential, but I didn’t capitalize.” The defeat highlighted a recurring theme in Zverev’s career: the ability to rise to the occasion, but also to falter under pressure. Despite the setback, Zverev’s performance that year earned him a spot in the ATP’s top 5, cementing his status as a future Grand Slam contender.

2022 French Open: The Injury That Changed Everything

Zverev’s 2022 French Open campaign was one of his most promising. He reached the semifinals, where he faced Nadal, the “King of Clay.” The match was a testament to Zverev’s versatility, as he pushed Nadal to the limit. However, the match ended in tragedy when Zverev twisted his right ankle in the second set. “The pain was unbearable,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it was happening.”

Despite the injury, Zverev attempted to continue, but the damage was done. He was eventually stretchered off the court, leaving the crowd in disbelief. Nadal, ever the sportsman, offered words of encouragement: “Seeing Zverev cry in the locker room was a tough moment.” The injury not only sidelined Zverev for months but also forced him to re-evaluate his approach to the game. “It made me realize how fragile this sport is,” he said.