03 June,2026 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Alexander Zverev (Pic: AFP)
Despite enduring three defeats in Grand Slam finals, Alexander Zverev insists he would never swap his coveted Olympic gold medal for a major trophy.
The German took home the men's singles gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, his biggest title alongside his 24 ATP tour medals. After he advanced to the French Open semifinal with a 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-3 victory over Spain's Rafael Jodar, Zverev was asked if he would trade his Olympic triumph for a maiden Grand Slam.
"No chance. The gold medal for me is the most difficult thing to win, because you get a chance once every four years. You do it for your country. You do it for the people back home. I will never trade my gold medal for anything, but I wouldn't mind adding a few things to my list as well." Zverev said.
Despite appearing in Grand Slam finals three times, Zverev is still chasing a maiden Grand Slam title. The German has reached the semi-final of each Grand Slam except Wimbledon, where he has not moved past the fourth round.
The current draw at Roland Garros has shifted significantly in favour of the second-seeded German. Alcaraz was forced to skip the tournament due to a wrist injury, while Sinner bowed out in the second round, followed by Novak Djokovic's exit in the third round.
"I feel like the draw opened up a lot on the top half. Of course, with Joao Fonseca beating Djokovic, it's a big match that opened up the draw." Zverev said.
Zverev's next challenge comes in the form of 20-year-old Czech player Jakub Mensik, who advanced by defeating the 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (3). The 26th-seeded Mensik is no stranger to big stages, having reached the fourth round of this year's Australian Open and capturing a Masters crown last year by upsetting Djokovic in the Miami Open final.
"We have fantastic players that are young on the tour right now; we have a lot of potential. I have to trust myself, trust my game." Zverev said.
(With AP inputs)
