What happened the last time Alexander Zverev beat Jannik Sinner should give him hope for the French Open

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Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev again at the Madrid Open.

The Italian has won each of their last eight ATP Tour meetings, dominating his German rival.

What does Alexander Zverev have to do to change his results against Jannik Sinner?

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Heading into the French Open, where they could meet in the final, Sinner is a clear favourite.

But if Zverev needs some confidence ahead of his trip to Paris, perhaps he should take a look back at his last win over Sinner…

Alexander Zverev beat Jannik Sinner in humid conditions at the 2023 US Open

Zverev last beat Sinner 973 days ago, in the fourth round of the 2023 US Open.

Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record

Zverev won an absolute thriller, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, converting match point past 1.30 am local time.

Momentum swung back and forth throughout the five-set match, as both players struggled with the humid conditions.

After the match, Zverev said the following.

“The humidity is what killed us both,” he said.

“I’m usually a guy who doesn’t sweat. I had to change everything twice.

“I had to change shoes three or four times.”

Both players struggled with the humidity, but it was Zverev who prevailed.

Looking ahead to Roland Garros and the remainder of the 2026 season, Zverev may need to pray for some hot days whenever he plays Sinner.

The Italian has looked nearly invincible on tour, but his one weakness is the heat.

He struggled in the Melbourne heat at the 2025 and 2026 Australian Open, against Holger Rune and Eliot Spizzirri, respectively.

And even during his recent dominant streak, there have been times where Sinner has looked uncomfortable in the heat.

In normal conditions, Zverev can’t seem to trouble Sinner, but in the heat, he might be a little more vulnerable.

If they are to meet in the French Open final, on a hot summer’s day, Zverev could take advantage of Sinner’s greatest weakness.

Forcing the Italian into physically demanding, extended rallies in a five-set match, could win Zverev his first Grand Slam title.

Now, of course, it’s not that simple.

Sinner’s vulnerability to heat isn’t quite that extreme, and if the conditions are that harsh, Zverev will struggle as well.

But will both players be keeping an eye on the weather forecast as they approach the latter stages of Roland Garros? Probably!

Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner could meet in the Italian Open final

Sinner and Zverev will likely be seeded first and second in Rome and Roland Garros.

The French Open is the tournament both players are desperate to win, but neither will want to look past the Italian Open.

In the top half of the draw, Sinner could face the likes of Arthur Fils, Ben Shelton, Joao Fonseca, and Daniil Medvedev on his way to the final.

Zverev, on the other hand, could meet Novak Djokovic, Alex de Minaur, and Tommy Paul.

Only time will tell if they can overcome their challengers and contest a second consecutive clay-court Masters 1000 final in Rome.

The 2026 Italian Open men’s singles final will take place on Sunday, May 17.