Alize Cornet Takes a Sneaky Jibe at Alexander Zverev as She Comes Clean on Her Choice for the Final

What can be worse than receiving words of discouragement in a crucial match? Perhaps none for Alexander Zverev. The German star has consistently found himself labeled as the “underdog” in the ongoing finals of the French Open. Despite his impressive journey to the final, several voices in the tennis community have thrown their support behind World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, claiming he holds the upper hand. Adding to the chorus, French veteran player Alize Cornet has also expressed similar sentiments. 

Despite witnessing a sensational season, Zverev has failed to make it to the list of ‘favorites’ in the French Open Final. Many including the likes of Tim Henman and Alex Corretja, have called him an underdog and have rallied their support to the Spaniard. “I think Zverev is the underdog in the final because Alcaraz is playing so well,” Henman said in a statement. While the 27-year-old was already witnessing a lack of support in his camp, former French tennis player took a veiled jibe at him. 

Cornet expressed her desire to see Alcaraz lifting the Roland Garros trophy. “My heart wants Carlos to win because I’m a fan of his since he started out, and less of a Zverev fan for many more reasons,” the veteran player said. While the “reasons” remain unknown, she did not mince her words in calling the two-time Grand Slam champion her favorite. The ongoing French Open was the last tournament for Cornet as well who announced her retirement. 

For Zverev, the final is extremely crucial having failed on important occasions previously. Sometimes he failed to finish a two-set and break lead, as was seen in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem. Another time he suffered a serious injury, like in the semifinal against Rafael Nadal at the French Open two years ago. Zverev had retired from the game following an ankle injury in the second set. 

At Roland Garros, Alexander Zverev isn’t just chasing his own Grand Slam glory; he’s carrying the weight of German men’s tennis history. Despite legends like Boris Becker, Michael Stich, Rainer Schüttler, and Tommy Haas, a French Open title has eluded them all. Zverev, however, has a chance to rewrite history and become the first German man to claim the coveted Coupe des Mousquetaires.

While the buzzing tennis player is witnessing a lack of motivation from the community so far, there is one who has rallied his support constantly.

Boris Becker’s ardent support for Alexander Zverev

Amid the environment of unsupportiveness around him, Zverev has found an ardent supporter in Boris Becker. The former German veteran player analyzed the situation differently and rallied behind Zverev for the ongoing match. Speaking to Eurosport, Becker believed in Zverev’s gameplay.

The former German tennis legend highlighted that Zverev is “very calm, very focused,” which gives him a positive outlook. “I have a good feeling,” Becker shared. He also pointed out that Alcaraz didn’t have the smoothest start in his semi-final against Jannik Sinner, which could work in Zverev’s favor.

Zverev and Alcaraz too had earlier shared similar statements and expected the match to be a tough battle for both of them. While the ultimate fate of the match will be realized soon, it will be worth seeing if Zverev can overcome the criticism and defy the odds to win his first Grand Slam title.