Former Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber has weighed in on Alexander Zverev's prospects at the French Open, stating the German faces immense pressure but is a strong contender for the title.
Zverev, currently ranked world number three, has emerged as a top favorite after early exits by Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, plus the injury absence of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
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The 28-year-old has dropped only one set en route to the Paris quarterfinals, where he is scheduled to face Spanish teenager Rafael Jódar on Tuesday.
Zverev is seeking his first Grand Slam title after losing three major finals: the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open, and 2025 Australian Open.
Kerber, who retired in 2024, is the last German to win a Grand Slam singles title, having won the Australian Open and US Open in 2016 and Wimbledon in 2018.
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"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.
The retired star advised her compatriot to stay focused during crucial moments in Paris.
"When you win a grand slam you win it," she added.
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Kerber noted that Zverev is taking the right approach by maintaining a cautious, day-by-day mindset while being fully aware of his strengths on court.
