Alexander Zverev might not get a better chance to win a Grand Slam than he has right now at Roland Garros, especially after Jannik Sinner’s surprise second-round exit.
Sinner, who came in as the tournament’s top seed, was knocked out on Thursday after losing in five sets to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
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The Italian’s defeat ends the run of nine straight majors won between him and Carlos Alcaraz, who is missing this year’s French Open through injury.
That opens the door for Zverev, who now sits as the highest-seeded player left in the draw and finds himself under more pressure than ever to deliver.
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Andy Roddick weighs in on Alexander Zverev’s Hall of Fame credentials
Speaking on an episode of ‘Served’, Roddick said of Zverev: “He is going to feel equal parts opportunity and pressure.
“This is his moment, time. Maybe the first time, even though he has had so much success, he is the favourite at this point in a Slam, or at least he thinks he’s the favourite.
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“All eyes on Novak against Fonseca, and then if Novak falls into the quarters, I think he automatically falls into the favourite based on experience and success.
“Zverev though, would tell you this, if he does not win a Slam, is he a Hall of Fame? I don’t know, it hasn’t worked that way recently. If he wins a Slam there is no question. He’s at 550 wins already and it’s not like he’s fading, he’s won 30 matches already this year.
“His career metrics outside of a Slam are better than a lot of people who are in, including myself. If you look at Masters 1000 won, he won year in championships, he won the Olympics. There is no doubt.
“If I’m in, he is in. But it literally is going to be about him winning a Slam or not winning a Slam. That is going to be a lot of sleep with for the next 10 nights. But we have seen that he can do it. He is not streaky.
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“It’s not as if he’s going to come out and miss every ball. But if you are that guy, and he has said time after time, I am the next one. It’s those two and then I’m the guy. Well, this is it. This is it! This is the chance.
“Just so we are clear. There are no easy passes. Someone is hurt, and someone loses, the best player of all time is still in the draw.”
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