French Open: Zverev overcomes slow start to reach third round

Alexander Zverev progressed to the third round of the French Open despite a slow start against Jesper De Jong.

Zverev won 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-3, cruising to victory after a difficult first set.

De Jong got off to a flying start as he broke Zverev’s serve in the second game and raced to a 0-3 lead, securing the first set 3-6.

The momentum swung in the first game of the second set, though. De Jong failed to convert two break points, which proved costly as Zverev won the first three games on his way to a 6-1 set win.

Zverev did not look back and wrapped the match up in three hours, fending off a De Jong fightback in the final set.

Moving through Zverev comes back from a set down to defeat De Jong 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-3... #rolandgarros #zverev pic.twitter.com/Gsy2vpcyFi
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 29, 2025

Frenchman Arthur Fils survived a scare from Jaume Munar to secure his spot in the third round, winning 7-6 7-6 2-6 0-6 6-4.

Alex de Minaur, though, was shocked by Alexander Bublik, who came from two sets down to win 2-6 2-6 6-4 6-3 6-2 against the number nine seed.

Data Debrief: Zverev edging closer to glory

Zverev (80%, 36-9) holds the best winning percentage at Roland-Garros of any man not to win the event in the Open Era (minimum 20 matches played).

The German has claimed 163 ATP match wins on clay, more than any other active player, with Casper Ruud (158) winning the next-most on the surface.

His skill on clay showed once again as he struck 43 winners and broke the Dutchman’s serve seven times.

Zverev has also claimed the most men’s singles match wins of any German player at Roland-Garros in the Open Era, with 36.