Angelique Kerber, the last German to win a grand slam singles title, wishes Alexander Zverev all the best in his quest for the French Open trophy but also says he has something to lose in Paris.
“If he loses everyone will be all over him. If he wins, everyone celebrates – that’s just the way it is in competitive sport, unfortunately,” Kerber said.
World number three Zverev has become the top contender for the title on Sunday after early exits of top ranked Jannik Sinner and veteran Novak Djokovic, plus the injury-related absence of title holder Carlos Alcaraz.
The German has dropped only one set en route to the Paris quarter-finals where he faces exciting Spanish teenager Rafael Jódar later on Tuesday.
Zeverev is yet to win a major, having lost all his three finals at the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open and 2025 Australian Open.
Kerber, who retired in 2024, won the 2016 Australian and US Open and her third grand slam title at 2018 Wimbledon is the last singles top spot for a German player.
Kerber said that Zverev should “not think about” the position he is in, saying: “When you win a grand slam you win it.”
She said Zverev was doing the right thing with a cautious approach “and really take it day by day.” He should be aware of his strengths and “not think too much in deciding moments,” she added.