Alexander Zverev says he is prepared for the challenge of taking on the world’s best players at the French Open after reaching the quarter-finals with minimal effort following the early retirement of his opponent.
The German third seed progressed to the last eight at Roland Garros on Monday after Tallon Griekspoor was forced to withdraw during their fourth-round match due to an abdominal injury. Griekspoor retired while trailing 6-4, 3-0, handing Zverev extra time to rest ahead of a potential showdown with Novak Djokovic.
Zverev could face the 24-time Grand Slam champion or Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the next round as he continues his search for a maiden major title. The 28-year-old has already enjoyed a strong season, reaching the final of the Australian Open in January, where he lost to Jannik Sinner.
“For me, Carlos [Alcaraz] is the favourite—I’ve said that before,” Zverev told reporters. “Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself and Novak. I still believe that.
“Based on tennis and experience, Novak is right up there with us. No question about that. From now on, I’ve probably got the toughest draw in the tournament, but I’m looking forward to the battles ahead and to playing the best in the world.”
Zverev, last year’s French Open runner-up, has now reached at least the semi-finals in Paris for four consecutive years and is into his seventh Roland Garros quarter-final overall. He also holds five wins from 13 career meetings with Djokovic, including a semi-final victory at the Australian Open earlier this year, where Djokovic retired after the first set due to injury.
“We have a great rivalry and history,” Zverev said. “It’s always a privilege to share the court with him. But of course, he still has to win today—I don’t want to disrespect anyone. Cam [Norrie] has earned his place in the fourth round too.”
Dutchman Griekspoor, who was playing in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time, took a 3-0 lead in the first set before his injury severely hampered his serve and movement.
“Unfortunately, this morning during the warm-up, I pulled my abdominal muscle,” Griekspoor explained. “It meant I couldn’t serve properly or compete the way I wanted to.”