Dominic Thiem Evaluates Alexander Zverev’s French Open Hopes and Names Three Top Contenders for 2025 Title

As the tennis world gears up for the highly anticipated 2025 French Open, former World No. 3 Dominic Thiem has weighed in on the chances of Alexander Zverev securing his first Grand Slam victory. Thiem, who knows Zverev well from their intense battles on the court, shared his assessment of the German’s potential and named his three favorites to take home the prestigious title at Roland Garros this year.

Zverev’s Strong Start to 2025

After a challenging start to the 2025 season, Alexander Zverev has begun to find his form, most recently clinching his first title of the year at the ATP 500 tournament in Munich. The German’s dominant 6-2, 6-4 victory over Ben Shelton in the final marked a significant milestone in his quest for Grand Slam glory. This triumph was especially meaningful after Zverev’s disappointing run following his loss to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final earlier this year.

Zverev’s record in major finals has been under intense scrutiny, with the 27-year-old still searching for his first Grand Slam win. Despite showing promise in several high-profile matches, including his heartbreaking loss to Thiem in the 2020 US Open final after leading two sets to love, Zverev has struggled to close out his Grand Slam opportunities. His defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final—where he led two sets to one—further fueled doubts about his ability to win a major.

However, Thiem, who has faced Zverev in some of the most memorable matches in recent years, is confident that the German can make a breakthrough, particularly at this year’s French Open.

Thiem’s Assessment of Zverev’s Game

Thiem has been particularly impressed with Zverev’s performance at the Munich Open, where he appeared to have turned a corner after a slight dip in form earlier in the season. “Sascha [Zverev] was too good. I don’t think Shelton played badly, but I was watching it live and it’s unbelievable,” Thiem told Sky Sports. “Shelton served well at 220, 225 km/h, and Sascha just stands back and neutralizes the balls on the return. That’s sensational.”

For Thiem, it’s the small, often unnoticed aspects of Zverev’s game that stand out. His ability to neutralize powerful serves with ease, especially against a player like Shelton, is a testament to Zverev’s skill and composure under pressure. These finer details, according to Thiem, are exactly what allowed Zverev to secure the win in Munich and what could propel him to Grand Slam success in the future.

Zverev’s Grand Slam Potential

When asked about Zverev’s chances of making a Grand Slam breakthrough this year, Thiem expressed his belief that Zverev is a serious contender, particularly at Roland Garros. “It’s realistic for Sascha to win at every Grand Slam. He’s just so good,” Thiem stated. “You saw that in Australia too. I think the slight dip in form he had afterward is completely normal.”

Thiem also emphasized the importance of timing, suggesting that Zverev’s recovery and return to form at the right time—just before the French Open—could be crucial. “Now in Munich, he has recovered, just at the right time. There are still two cool, big tournaments to go before the French Open,” Thiem added, alluding to the upcoming Madrid Masters and Italian Open, both of which are key opportunities for players to fine-tune their games before the clay-court major.

Zverev, who has made significant strides in his recovery after a challenging 2024 season, is expected to be one of the top favorites heading into the French Open. “He is also one of the absolute top favorites at the French Open with Alcaraz and Sinner. Everything has to go well for a Grand Slam, but if that happens, he’s absolutely capable of winning it.”

Thiem’s Three French Open Favorites

Thiem’s assessment of Zverev’s potential to win at Roland Garros is based on the German’s impressive physicality, precision, and mental resilience. However, Thiem also named two other players—Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—as his top three favorites to lift the French Open trophy in 2025.

Alcaraz, who defeated Zverev in the 2024 French Open final, remains a strong contender due to his explosive game and dominance on clay courts. The 20-year-old Spaniard has already proven himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars and has the tools to excel in Paris once again this year.

Meanwhile, Sinner, the Italian prodigy, has also emerged as a serious contender. Thiem highlighted Sinner’s consistent form and growing maturity as key factors that could propel him to a French Open title. The 22-year-old’s powerful baseline game, combined with his tactical intelligence, makes him one of the most dangerous players on clay.

Zverev Eyes Madrid Masters Title

Looking ahead, Zverev will aim to build on his Munich victory at the 2025 Madrid Masters, where he is the top seed. After a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Roberto Bautista Agut in his opening match in Madrid, Zverev is looking to continue his momentum and secure his third title in the Spanish capital. His strong showing in Munich, followed by an impressive start in Madrid, indicates that Zverev is rounding into form at the right time.

As the countdown to the French Open continues, all eyes will be on Zverev, Alcaraz, and Sinner to see who will emerge as the ultimate contender for the title at Roland Garros. With Zverev’s recent victory in Munich, combined with his past performances in major finals, the 2025 French Open promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Zverev

As the 2025 French Open draws nearer, Zverev’s confidence and form will be critical factors in his quest for his first Grand Slam title. With his victory in Munich signaling a return to his best, Zverev has shown that he is capable of competing at the highest level, and his chances at Roland Garros should not be underestimated.

Thiem’s endorsement and his acknowledgment of Zverev’s potential to win Grand Slam titles add weight to the argument that the German has what it takes to claim his first major victory in Paris. As the tennis world watches eagerly, Zverev will look to continue his fine form in Madrid and Rome, hoping that the stars align for him to lift the French Open trophy in 2025.