Day 9 - under the lights: New-look Sascha

Calmer under pressure and more determined to set a good example, Alexander Zverev is eyeing the big prize

 - Alix Ramsay

When Zverev faced the international media after his five-set nail-biter of a win over Tallon Griekspoor on Saturday, no one knew quite what to make of it.

He had been a double break down in the fifth set and yet still found a way to edge through in the match tie-break.

“I already had a full speech for every single team member of my team ready,” he announced in his press conference. “I already knew what I was going to tell my coach. I already knew what I was going to tell my hitting partner. I already knew what I was going to tell my physical trainer. I already had it all prepared. I was going to give them so much hell. You can't imagine. Of course, it's never the player's fault. We're perfect. I don't know if you noticed.”

Zverev was, of course, joking; it elicited proper laughter, too. Sascha was simply hugely relieved that his Roland-Garros campaign was still alive – he had squeaked through and he knew it.  

Alexander Zverev, deuxième tour, Roland-Garros 2024©Corinne Dubreuil / FFT

Now he has Holger Rune to deal with if he is to reach the quarter-finals – and he lost his only previous match to the Dane two years ago on clay in Munich. That turned out to be a big week for Rune and he has fond memories of it.

“The first ATP title I won, I beat him on the way,” Rune said. “On Monday it's going to be a different match. It's the best-of-five sets. It's a Grand Slam, so obviously more tension for both of us, I guess. He's been playing some good tennis. I've been raising my level as well, so I'm expecting a big fight.” 

Rune’s game style – Plan A is play eyeballs-out and Plan B is play eyeballs-and-lights-out – is enough to drive anyone to distraction. But Zverev is trying hard to remain calm at all times these days; so far it is working, too.

“I told myself I want to become a different type of player and different type of role model as well in a way,” he explained. “I don't break rackets anymore. I barely get warnings. I realised that I don't do any good to myself and especially for people and kids watching. I'm glad it's working out. Tennis is a very mental game, and I'm happy that the improvements have kind of shown on the court.”

It is working off the court as well: Sascha is telling jokes now. Perhaps the new, calm but jovial Zverev will reinvent himself as a Grand Slam champion by the end of the week.