At Roland Garros,
His mischievous little smile in front of Fabrice Santoro, to whom he puts three heads as one puts three sets to Grigor Dimitrov on a windy evening at Roland-Garros, foreshadowed a joke of which Alexander Zverev was proud. To the question of the former French player, who wanted to know the game plan that allowed Sascha to overcome the Bulgarian so quietly (6-1, 6-4, 6-3), the German replied: “My strategy ? Serve only aces, that was my only strategy, it worked pretty well”.
The semi-finalist of the 2022 edition enlarges the line. He only slammed four, which are already four more than Dimitrov. But above all, he won 78% of points behind his first ball and scored 24 winning shots. “It’s extraordinary that I play the way I play at the moment, I’m very happy,” said the winner. For this time, we pass the towel on the 27 unforced errors in view of the infernal wind on the Central, as well as on its air hole in the middle of the 3rd round. “At 3-0, I was less concentrated, he admits. I thought the game was over when it wasn’t. I missed some services a bit. “And so, logically, he left to slam a few services after his victory in three sets. “I wanted to regain my feelings, because it will be important for the day after tomorrow. Motivated, Alexander.
“I don’t want to leave anymore”
The figures mentioned above confirm the visual impression, that of a sovereign player sure of his strengths. His forehand length, mammoth passing and backhand diagonal are back. His mobility, his foot? What foot? Everything’s good. We won’t go so far as to say that he rides like Alcaraz, that would be surprising for a tall 1m98 rod, but his ground coverage has once again become a strong point on clay. Anyway, good luck getting Zverev out. Besides, it’s not too hot for that. “I hope that other beautiful things are to come. Now that I’m here, I don’t want to leave. “Would he start dreaming of better than a good course – mission already fulfilled – for his return to Roland after the injury? “I hope I won’t be dreaming tonight. It will mean that I had a deep sleep”. Thank you Jean-Michel first degree.
Real question: given the forces present, and the level displayed by the man, who is there to prevent him from doing better than last year?
His worst nightmare : A hole in the land of Chatrier
His other worst nightmare: Daniil Medvedev who spread it in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo and Rome. Oh no, he’s not here.
Most imminent opponent: Tomas Martin Etcheverry will face Zverev in the next round. Big odds. He is finally breaking through at the expected level on clay thanks to his lumberjack forehand, but lacks Grand Slam credentials. At this stage of the competition, it could be expensive. The Argentinian did not lose a single set, but his table lacked salt.
Most Ruud Opponent : Unpublished joke, is not it? It would be ugly for tennis, but seeing the Norwegian metronome bring out the Danish thrill in the quarterfinals would surprise us no less than the reverse. And from there, it’s easy. Just pound his backhand considering Ruud has none.
The most formidable opponent: Holger Rune, who else? The young Dane struggled a bit against Cerundolo, but we can see him gaining momentum. Provided to strengthen this setback so weak on Lenglen, Monday afternoon. Otherwise, it won’t be worth coming to Sascha for lice. After all, his killer may be on the other side of the board. Or is not.