Germany’s Alexander Zverev reacts as he plays against Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles during their men’s singles match on day eight of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Suzanne-Lenglen in Paris on May 29, 2022. (Photo by Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP)
World number three Alexander Zverev has criticized French Open organizers, who he claims have favored rising Spanish teen star Carlos Alcaraz, his quarterfinal opponent at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
Zverev, 25, is unhappy about his lack of matches on Roland Garros’ showpiece Philippe Chatrier court, which has a retractable roof, compared to Alcarez.
The German feels organizers put him at a disadvantage ahead of his quarter-final with only one of his four matches so far on Chatrier.
“I played on Chatrier once, (world number one Novak) Djokovic played twice, (Rafael) Nadal three times, like Alcaraz,” Zverev told German media after laboring to a last 16 win over Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
“Sure, he’s the new superstar, the new face of tennis and it’s nice to see something new too, but in our half of the draw it should be more divided who’s playing when and where.”
Zverev, the reigning Olympic champion, described playing on Chatrier in Paris as “completely different” compared to other courts. “It’s like playing on another continent.”
Zverev says he is not concerned if organizers gave Djokovic, the defending French Open champion, and Nadal, who has won Roland Garros 13 times, preferential treatment.
“It is clear, and rightly so, that Rafa and Novak get what they want,” said Zverev.
“Now comes a new and young player who deserves a lot of attention, but I have the feeling that the other players are being ignored.”