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PARIS – Two years ago at the French Open, Alexander Zverev hit one of the most timely shots of his career: a bold backhand return winner to close out a tight tiebreaker and quarterfinal over Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz.
But even in victory, Zverev could clearly see a less triumphant future.
“I told him at the net, he’s going to win this tournament a lot of times, not only once,” Zverev said. “And I hope I can win it before he starts beating us all, and we’ll have no chance at all.”