Kerber on Grand Slam hopes
Zverev under pressure for the title? “Then everyone will hit it”
Updated June 2, 2026 – 5:05 p.mReading time: 1 min.
At the French Open, Alexander Zverev’s chances of winning his first Grand Slam title are better than ever before. Angelique Kerber doesn’t necessarily see this as an advantage.
For Angelique Kerber, Alexander Zverev can’t just win at this year’s French Open, given the very good chances of winning the title. “Sure, if he loses, everyone hits it. If he wins, everyone celebrates – that’s unfortunately the case in competitive sports,” said the ex-tennis player on the sidelines of the clay court tournament in Paris.
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The 38-year-old Kerber, who, unlike Zverev, was able to celebrate Grand Slam titles in her career, gave the Hamburg resident some advice. He shouldn’t have to worry about the starting position at all. If you win a Grand Slam, then you win it.
“Really take it day by day”
Zverev will play against Spain’s young star Rafael Jódar in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros this afternoon. Due to the early retirement of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic as well as the injury-related absence of Carlos Alcaraz, the door to his first Grand Slam title is wide open for the Hamburg player.
It is completely correct that Zverev is publicly holding back from claiming the title. The 29-year-old should “really look from day to day,” be aware of his strengths and “perhaps not think so much in the important moments,” said the three-time Grand Slam tournament winner.
But all of this was “of course never easy,” said Kerber, who finally ended her tennis career in 2024 after a short comeback as a mother. She wishes Zverev “all the best” for his title mission.