Alexander Zverev reinforced his status as one of the favourites for the French Open men’s singles title with a composed straight-sets victory over Jesper de Jong, booking his place in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros for the sixth consecutive year.
The second seed produced a clinical display on Court Philippe-Chatrier, winning 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 6-1 to extend his strong run in Paris. Despite early resistance from De Jong, Zverev found his rhythm and gradually took control of the match.
The German, 29, has long been tipped as a future Grand Slam champion, having reached finals at three of the four majors, but is still searching for his first title. With several top contenders already out of the tournament, his path to a maiden major crown has opened up significantly.
“I didn’t start strong and he started really fast,” Zverev said. “But once I found my rhythm, I was comfortable. My game is there—it’s about showing it on the match courts.”
De Jong’s defeat ends a career-best Grand Slam run after entering the main draw as a lucky loser, though the Dutchman is expected to rise back into the world’s top 100.
Zverev will now face 27th seed Rafael Jodar in the last eight after the Spanish teenager staged a comeback win over Pablo Carreno Busta in his breakthrough run.
