Ahead of the French Open, Alexander Zverev has more than one challenge to battle with. Although the last time he played on clay this season was at the Italian Open, he won it gracefully. But this time in Roland Garros, he has an additional fight. And this fight involves an off-court one: a legal battle due to his domestic abuse allegations. But will he let it hamper his performance? Alexander Zverev’s latest response to this question exuded confidence about the situation.

Before starting his Roland Garros adventure, the World No. 4 Alexander Zverev sat down for a pre-tournament press conference. As the video of the interview surfaced on the Tennis Actu TV channel on YouTube, one segment caught the attention of fans worldwide. During the interview, a journalist inquired about the German tennis pro’s upcoming trial in Germany. “How much is it on your mind and affecting your French Open campaign?”

At first, Zverev made it clear that he would be playing on clay while the legal proceedings continued in Germany. As a response to the question, he further explained why he would not be distracted because of the trial. “Not at all. Because, at the end of the day, I do believe in the German system. I do believe in knowing the truth as well. And I have to be certain that you know I do know what I did, I do know what I didn’t do. And that’s at the end of the day what’s going to come out, and, um, I have to trust in that.”

Zverev remaining optimistic about the whole situation, further stated, “I do believe that I’m not going to lose this procedure. There’s absolutely no chance I am. So, um that’s why I can play calmly. And I think my results have been showing it uh winning Rome.” And indeed, so. After a turbulent couple of years owing to his ankle injury, Alexander Zverev has finally gained his first title since 2022. That too in Rome, where he has previously won in 2017. 

Referring to this huge achievement, he further justified his statement of not being distracted by the trial. “I think it is a big title as well um obviously being here and um if it would be on my mind, I wouldn’t be playing the way I am.” Not only that, his previous statements on performing his best in the French Open further emphasize his goal of giving his all in Paris.

While Alexander Zverev was busy playing his Italian Open a few days ago, in one of the interviews he disclosed his next goal for the season. Describing his strategy and plans for the upcoming tournament, the former World No. 2 previously stated, “I want to play the way that I think I can give myself the best chance to win Paris. That is my main goal at the end of the day. That’s what I’m hoping to do.” However, concerns regarding the effect of this off court battle on on court performance have surfaced in many tennis enthusiasts’ minds. 

Zverev’s Grand Slam hopes dented by clashing court hearing, feels a tennis insider

Zverev’s hearing starts on the last day of May. And just a day before his trial begins, he is expected to play his second-round match at Roland Garros. After the hearing, i.e., on June 1st, he is slated to play his third round. Therefore, a certain insider worry Zverev’s off-court battle will hurt his game.

One is the renowned journalist Chris Clarey, who shared his opinion on the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast recently. “You also got the situation with all the off-court stuff that possibly might affect things. It’s really interesting, to be honest. Half of the people, or more than half of the people I speak to about it, don’t want him to win.”

Clarey expressed reservations about bypassing a fair selection process. He added that concerns lingered regarding the candidate’s lack of clarity and the need for more information. However, he concluded with a hopeful note, expressing that the candidate could potentially address these issues and alleviate any outstanding questions.

Be it a trial or facing the “King of Clay,”  Alexander Zverev remains firm in his intention to not let anything distract him from playing his best on the court.