French Open 2025: Can Alexander Zverev Finally Claim His First Grand Slam Title?
Alexander Zverev, the world No. 2 and one of tennis’ most talented players without a Grand Slam title, enters the 2025 French Open as a leading contender, raising the question: is this finally his time to break through? The 27-year-old German has come agonizingly close, reaching three major finals—losing to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 French Open, and Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open, all in five sets. With a 34-8 record at Roland Garros and a history of deep runs, including four consecutive semi-finals, Zverev’s case is strong, but challenges remain as he faces a stacked field and lingering questions about his mental fortitude.
Zverev’s 2025 French Open campaign has been solid, if not spectacular. He advanced to the fourth round with a 3-1 win over Jesper De Jong (3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3) and a 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-1 victory against Flavio Cobolli, where he praised the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd, saying, “The love story continues,” per *NDTV Sports*. A walkover against Arthur Fils due to injury set up a fourth-round clash with Tallon Griekspoor on June 2, 2025, which Zverev won when Griekspoor retired, per @atptour. His next test is a quarter-final against Lorenzo Musetti, who upset Holger Rune, with a potential semi-final against Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner looming. Zverev’s clay-court prowess—evidenced by his 2024 Rome title and a 2024 French Open final where he led Alcaraz two sets to one—makes him a favorite, but his 0-3 record in major finals fuels doubt.[
Zverev’s strengths are undeniable. His 106-35 Grand Slam win-loss record (75.1%) is the best among Open Era players without a major title, per *ausopen.com*. His powerful serve (19 aces against Casper Ruud in 2024) and aggressive baseline game thrive on clay’s slower surface, where he’s 21-3 at Roland Garros since 2021. Off-court, he’s overcome challenges like type 1 diabetes, managed with on-court insulin injections, and a settled domestic abuse case in 2024, which he claims cleared his mind, per *ESPN*. Andrea Petkovic, a former French Open semi-finalist, is optimistic, telling *Tennis365*, “He has everything necessary for a great triumph,” citing his mental strength and shot-making, though she questions his self-belief.[](https://ausopen.com/articles/news/ao-2025-finally-zverevs-time)[](https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rg2024-zverev-breaks-through-to-maiden-major-final)[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/40313210/carlos-alcaraz-outlasts-alexander-zverev-win-french-open)
Yet, skeptics like former world No. 10 Arnaud Clement argue Zverev’s game has unresolved flaws, particularly under pressure, as seen in his 2024 French Open collapse against Alcaraz (6-1, 6-2 in the final two sets) and a “tentative” performance against Sinner in Melbourne, per *The Guardian*. Clement told Eurosport France, “He still hasn’t resolved problems we’ve known about for eight years,” doubting his ability to win a major. Zverev’s 4-8 head-to-head against Djokovic, including three Grand Slam losses, and 4-6 against Alcaraz, per *Sportskeeda*, pose significant hurdles. Posts on X, like @danspickz, highlight his value at 18/1 odds, suggesting belief in his potential on clay, but others, like @WeAreTennis, question if he’ll ever overcome his final-round struggles.[
The 2025 field is brutal. Sinner, the Australian Open champion, and Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, are peaking, while Djokovic, chasing a 25th major, remains a formidable obstacle despite a mixed season. Zverev’s physical resilience, tested by a 2022 ankle injury and a lightning-struck flight to Paris, per @Probahis, adds to his narrative of perseverance. His 12-match win streak before the Australian Open final shows he’s in form, but closing out a major requires a mental leap. As Zverev himself said after his 2024 final loss, “I’m not a kid anymore. I’m 27,” signaling readiness, per *Roland-Garros.com*.[](https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/article/rg2024-zverev-breaks-through-to-maiden-major-final)
**Verdict**: Zverev’s clay-court mastery and experience make 2025 his best shot yet, but his history of faltering in big moments and a stacked draw temper expectations. If he can harness his aggressive game and newfound mental clarity, a first Grand Slam is within reach. However, overcoming Sinner, Alcaraz, or Djokovic in a final will demand a career-defining performance. The tennis world watches eagerly to see if Zverev can finally shed the “best without a major” label.
