Zverev Seeks Strength at Home Tournament Ahead of French Open

HAMBURG, Germany — Tennis star Alexander Zverev is looking to regain his strength at his home tournament held at the Rothenbaum in Hamburg. He aims to reach the finals to take away positive emotions as he prepares for the upcoming French Open in Paris.

“If I reach the final here, those are exactly the emotions I want to carry with me,” Zverev said ahead of the ATP tournament, which serves as his last chance to prepare before the clay court highlight.

The tournament’s new date, moved from July to mid-May, previously drew criticism from Zverev, who argued that it was not appealing for players focused on the French Open. He stated during an April broadcast with MagentaTV, “No player with their eyes set on the French Open will play there.” However, he now sees the event in his hometown as an opportunity for strength and added, “Hamburg is a place where I feel positive energy; that’s exactly what I need right now.”

Zverev recently exited the quarter-finals at the Masters in Rome but will enter Rothenbaum as a clear favorite. “I can play tennis here and recharge a bit. I hope it will be a nice week,” he expressed in anticipation of the tournament.

In 2023, Zverev celebrated victory in his home city, having narrowly lost to French player Arthur Fils in the previous year. Starting May 25, he will face tougher competition at the French Open, where he believes he has a chance to secure his first Grand Slam title.