Following his Roland Garros victory, the next natural debate surrounding Alexander Zverev is whether he can back it up with another title before his career concludes.
After all, there have been many who have argued that these past two weeks will have a monumental impact on his chances going forward, with that burden of expectation now removed.
However, it could also be argued that Zverev’s maiden major title might even make him worse.
Regardless, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson have been discussing the German’s future chances following on from this landmark triumph.
Sam Querrey makes Alexander Zverev prediction after watching him win Roland Garros
Speaking on their Nothing Major podcast, they were discussing whether Alexander Zverev will win another Grand Slam title, having finally claimed that elusive first.
Johnson began by arguing: “I think two things are rightfully still true. I don’t know if it’s physically possible for anyone to win a major with Sinner and Alcaraz in the draw together. It has not been done.
How many more Grand Slams does Alexander Zverev win now?
What a final!
“But also this is the first time that he has been the heavy favourite for 12 days in a row, since Sinner lost. That is heavy to walk around with every day, every match, every press conference, every practice session.
“Everybody who follows tennis in the world was like, if Sascha doesn’t win this, this is the biggest disappointment of his career.
“So that is an incredible achievement to have the stones to go out there and win a tournament you are supposed to win.
“It’s hard to tell if he wins another one. I don’t see it being in a month’s time at Wimbledon, but if I am Sascha I am probably stumbling around wherever home is for the next few weeks and enjoying life and skipping most of the grass until Wimbledon.”
Querrey then chimed in, providing some cause for optimism ahead of Wimbledon: “He is the number two seed at Wimbledon. Alcaraz is not playing. I am not saying he is going to win Wimbledon; it’s not his best surface, but he is the second favourite probably right now.
“I feel like he gets another one. If Sinner and Alcaraz are both in the draw, I don’t think he does, but he’s 29 years old. Let’s say he plays another five years at this level. That’s 20 majors. Of those 20 majors, you have to think that Carlos and Sinner are going to be in 17 of them, but there are three other openings along the way, and maybe he gets one.”
Novak Djokovic congratulates Alexander Zverev on first major title
Whilst many were understandably unhappy to see Zverev finally lift a first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, one man clearly was: Novak Djokovic.
And, whilst he may have waited a day to congratulate him, when he did, the message was lengthy and heartfelt.
He started by writing, on Instagram: “Sasha, I have known you since you were 10 years old. You were battling on the practice courts with my youngest brother while I was competing against your older brother, Mischa, on the big stage in both junior and pro circuit.”
He then explained their ever-growing relationship, and the respect he has for the challenges Zverev has faced.
Who is now the best active ATP player without a Grand Slam title after Alexander Zverev’s French Open victory?
Djokovic added: “I’ve nurtured a respectful and friendly relationship with your entire family for many years. We had countless conversations on tennis tactics, strategic plays, life, family, business. We had fun time on and off the court.
“Knowing what you had to endure with your illness since the young age, overcoming the greatest mental hurdle within yourself and shutting down critics who thought you would never win GS, makes this Grand Slam win even more special and memorable.
“Seeing the tears of joy you had together with your parents, brother and other team members made me emotional. I’m happy that you made it and you absolutely deserve this success because you have worked so hard on every front to make it happen. Enjoy it.”
