Alexander Zverev predicts how Jannik Sinner will be treated by the French Open crowd and says if he should be worried
Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3, has predicted that Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, will be well-received by the French Open crowd at Roland Garros, starting May 25, 2025, despite the Italian’s recent three-month doping ban. In comments reported by The Tennis Gazette on May 24, 2025, Zverev expressed confidence in Sinner’s popularity, stating, “I think Sinner is loved, and I think he will always be loved by tennis fans. If I’m in his shoes, I’m not worried about the crowd too much.”
Sinner’s Doping Ban and Return
Sinner’s ban, stemming from two positive tests for clostebol in 2024, ended in May 2025, and his return at the Italian Open in Rome saw him reach the final, earning a rapturous ovation from home fans despite a loss to Carlos Alcaraz. However, the French Open’s notoriously lively crowd, known for its vocal support of local players and occasional hostility, as seen with Novak Djokovic’s booing in 2025 (The Telegraph), could pose a different challenge. Sinner himself acknowledged this in a pre-tournament press conference, noting, “I know that [the Parisian fans] may not be as supportive as in Rome, but I don’t think they have anything against me. It’s right that they support the players who are from here,” per The Tennis Gazette on May 24, 2025.
Zverev’s Confidence in Sinner’s Appeal
Zverev’s optimism is rooted in Sinner’s global appeal and clean image, bolstered by his 3-0 Grand Slam final record, including consecutive Australian Open titles in 2024 and 2025, and a 2024 US Open win. Zverev, who lost to Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final (6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3), praised his rival’s dominance, saying, “Everything else, he does better than me,” per The Athletic on January 26, 2025. Mats Wilander, a three-time French Open champion, also predicted crowd support for both Sinner and Alcaraz, though he suggested Alcaraz’s dynamic style might edge out Sinner in fan favoritism, per Tennishead.net on May 22, 2025.
French Open Outlook
Sinner’s 11-0 record in 2025 and 21-match Grand Slam hard-court winning streak, per NDTV Sports, indicate he’s in top form, facing Christopher Eubanks in the first round. Zverev’s own experience with crowd dynamics, including heckling at the 2025 Australian Open over past allegations (AP News), may inform his view that Sinner’s doping controversy—cleared as accidental—won’t sour fans. Posts on X, like @TennisLetter’s “Sinner ready for Paris,” reflect fan excitement, suggesting Zverev’s prediction of a positive reception may hold, with Sinner’s focus and popularity likely outweighing any crowd skepticism.
