“I’m here to play the best players in the world” – Zverev happy to be in second week of a Major again

Alexander Zverev has recorded his biggest win in the last 12 months by beating No 12 seed Frances Tiafoe, booking a spot in the round of 16 at Roland-Garros 2023

Alexander Zverev, Roland-Garros 2023 – © JB Autissier / Panoramic

Bren Gray

June 4, 2023

French Open •Round of 16 • completed

See draw

G. DimitrovvsA. Zverev

It’s no surprise that Alexander Zverev was emotional following his win over Frances Tiafoe in the third-round of Roland-Garros 2023.

The win was by far the most significant of Zverev’s year so far, having failed to beat any top 20 players since injuring his ankle against Rafael Nadal at last year’s edition of Roland-Garros.

However, there was nothing emotional about the German’s performance on the court, as he was all business for the three hours, 41 minutes it took to dispatch the No 12 seed.

Zverev putting injury behind him, focused on next week

When asked on court following his win over Frances Tiafoe how the victory felt, Alexander Zverev responded:

“It’s been the hardest year in my life. I’m not playing tennis for fame or money, I’m just loving the competition. To be far from that was tough. I’m so happy to be back, it’ll be a great second week for me.”

The German went on to explain in his later press conference that thoughts of his previous injury returned during his earlier match against Alex Molcan, but were not present in this match against Tiafoe.

“I know what I had to do, but I’m here to play tennis. At the end of the day I know what happened last year. It was emotional for me to step on that court for the first time when I played Molcan, I’m not going to lie.”

For Zverev, his focus is now fully on what’s to come in Roland-Garros, as he looks to make his third consecutive semi-final at the Grand Slam.

“I’m happy to be in the fourth round and be in the second week of a Grand Slam. It’s, for sure, a great thing for me right now. I’m here to play some of the best players in the world, and today was definitely the case in that.”

“I should be playing the fifth right now” – Tiafoe rues missed opportunities

For Frances Tiafoe, the American has confessed that this defeat will take some getting over. The No 12 seed blew a 5-3, 30-0 opportunity to serve for the fourth set, missing several straightforward passing shots.

“I’m an easy-going guy, obviously, but this is going to hurt for a while,” confessed Tiafoe.

“It’s inexcusable for me to lose. A bunch of passes that I don’t miss and am missing. It’s just tough. I should be playing the fifth right now.

“My section of the draw really opened up. I really feel I let the opportunity go, to be really honest with you. This is going to hurt a lot.”

While Tiafoe packs his bags and heads to the grass now, Alexander Zverev will face off against No 28 seed Grigor Dimitrov in the round of 16. A quarter-final awaits the winner against either Thomas Martin Etcheverry or Yoshi Nishioka, with a potential semi-final on the other side against Holger Rune or Casper Ruud.