Alexander Zverev has long been one of the most talented players on the ATP Tour, but the Grand Slam title that once seemed inevitable continues to elude him. Now 29 years old, the German star has reached the pinnacle of the sport multiple times—only to fall just short when it mattered most.
His first shot at glory came at the 2020 US Open, where he stood one set away from victory against Dominic Thiem. But in a dramatic turnaround, Thiem stormed back to win in five sets, leaving Zverev to wonder what might have been. Since then, he has reached two more major finals: at Roland Garros in 2024, where Carlos Alcaraz proved too strong, and at the Australian Open in 2025, where Jannik Sinner denied him once again.
Despite his consistent deep runs in the biggest tournaments, former Australian Open finalist Arnaud Clement recently delivered a blunt assessment of Zverev’s career. Speaking with Tennis 365, Clement suggested that the world No. 3 may one day look back with regret, feeling he didn't do everything possible to break through.
"I don't think Zverev, looking back, will be able to say he did everything he could to win a Grand Slam," Clement said. "I remember the discourse that existed back in the days of the Big Three or Big Four. It wasn't the same as Zverev's, who is completely resigned."
Clement went on to criticize Zverev's approach in big matches, comparing him unfavorably to the legends of the sport who never accepted defeat before the final point. "They were capable of beating Federer, they were capable of beating any player. But he said the hard part is that to win a Grand Slam, you have to beat two or three. Now, they're stuck on the first one."
The Frenchman offered a pointed suggestion for Zverev: take more risks, even if it means losing badly. "I would prefer, at some point, that Zverev loses while making 30 unforced errors, only attempting winners or only serving and volleying. He might lose 6-1, 6-2, but he would have tried something different. I find it terrible to lose 6-1, 6-2, or even 6-3, 6-3 while playing a system of play in which he knows perfectly well he can't win."
Zverev showed his fighting spirit earlier this year at the Australian Open, pushing eventual champion Alcaraz to five sets in a thrilling semifinal. Now, as he returns to Paris for the French Open, there's renewed hope. With Alcaraz withdrawing from the tournament due to injury, the draw has opened up significantly—and no player stands to benefit more than Zverev.
This could be the moment he finally silences the critics and claims the major title that has haunted his career. For fans and collectors alike, it's a storyline worth watching—and one that might just inspire the next great tennis comeback.