As the tennis world turns its eyes to Roland Garros once again, all eyes are on Alexander Zverev, the German star still chasing that elusive first Grand Slam title. After a heart-wrenching five-set defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final, Zverev now looks to bounce back and rewrite his legacy on the clay courts of Paris. And this time, he has the wisdom of tennis legend Andre Agassi echoing in his corner.
Alexander Zverev’s uphill battle to grand slam glory
Zverev, once ranked world No. 3, has seen a dip in form in early 2025, marked by inconsistency and frustration on the ATP tour. His recent criticism of ball quality at the Italian Open drew sharp remarks from pundits like Rennae Stubbs, signaling a need for mental recalibration heading into the second Grand Slam of the year.
Despite the turbulent start, Zverev remains a formidable force, especially on clay. His powerful baseline game, excellent court coverage, and signature two-handed backhand have often propelled him deep into tournaments. Yet, that final leap into champion territory still evades him.
Andre Agassi's game-changing perspective
Enter Andre Agassi — an eight-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s most analytical minds. Speaking to TNT Sports, Agassi expressed his admiration for Alexander Zverev but didn't shy away from offering pointed advice.
“Zverev is a heck of a talent. Anybody who is 6ft 6in and can move the way he moves is a real threat on any surface,” Agassi said.
While Agassi praised Zverev’s backhand — calling it “arguably the best backhand we will ever see in the game” — he also highlighted a crucial tactical flaw that could be holding Zverev back.
“He is a little too passive for me in the sense that he is willing to give ground on his forehand side way too often. I personally think if he could figure out how to shut down the forehand moving forward more than backwards, he would take his game to a whole new level.”
This kind of elite insight could be exactly what Alexander Zverev needs as he prepares for another run at the French Open crown.
The road ahead for Zverev
With the draw set and the tournament just days away, the stage is set for Zverev to prove that he can silence the critics and convert potential into victory. Whether Andre Agassi’s advice resonates deeply enough to alter Zverev’s tactical approach remains to be seen — but if the German can combine his natural gifts with a more aggressive forehand mindset, he may finally break through.
The 2025 French Open isn’t just another tournament for Alexander Zverev. It’s a chance at redemption. And perhaps, with a little help from a tennis great, it's his moment to rise.