Career on the line: How Alexander Zverev’s shocking withdrawal might ignite a Grand Slam run

Alexander Zverev’s quest for his first Grand Slam title will carry on at Roland Garros.

The German was only one game away from eliminating Alcaraz, who went on to become the youngest player to complete a Career Grand Slam.

Now, the world number three will turn his attention to the French Open, a tournament where he has previously enjoyed strong runs.

Zverev received a favourable draw in Paris, which has now become even more advantageous following a significant withdrawal.

Arthur Fils pulls out of the 2026 French Open

Frenchman Arthur Fils has pulled out of the 2026 French Open because of injury.

Fils, speaking to Reem Abulleil on X, said he wasn’t sure whether it was a hip or back issue but described the pain as significant.

He had been drawn in Zverev’s quarter and was seen as one of the main obstacles for the German early in the tournament.

The world number three is now projected to meet an out-of-form Taylor Fritz in the last eight. Should he get that far, a semifinal clash with third seed Novak Djokovic could await.

Alexander Zverev’s French Open Record

Zverev first played at Roland Garros in 2016, reaching the third round after winning two matches.

He exited in the first round the following year but made it to the quarterfinals in both 2018 and 2019.

After a fourth-round finish in 2020, Zverev reached three straight semifinals between 2021 and 2023 before finally making it to the final in 2024.

That run saw him defeat Rafael Nadal, Holger Rune, Alex de Minaur, and Casper Ruud before losing to Alcaraz in the final. Last season, Zverev was knocked out by Djokovic in four sets during the quarterfinals.

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