French Open 2026: Zverev sails past Bonzi in Roland-Garros opener

Alexander Zverev got his French Open campaign off to a winning start after he beat home hope Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets on Sunday (May 24).

Zverev, who is the second seed at Roland-Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal, needed two hours and eight minutes to secure a 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory.

On a scorching day in Paris, Zverev kept his cool after passing up three game points early on, but the German then got the better of Bonzi’s serve in the sixth game.

That solitary break was all he needed to take the first set, though it took him six set points to get over the line, and he appeared set to cruise into the next round when he broke his opponent again to lead 4-2 in the second.

However, Bonzi hit back and levelled things up once more, only for Zverev to reel off the final two games with a minimum of fuss to edge ever closer to the next round.

And from there, Zverev took control as a four-game winning run in the third set sent him on his way, and he sealed his progression when Bonzi returned his second serve long.

Data Debrief: When in Paris

The French Open is one of three majors Zverev has reached the final in, but has yet to emerge victorious, but if there is anywhere you would fancy him to break his grand slam duck, Roland-Garros would be the venue.

Zverev’s victory here was his 39th at the tournament, his most wins at a single ATP-level event in his career, with only David Ferrer (44), Jimmy Connors and Gael Monfils (both 40) having won more matches without winning the event.

He has now won 10 of his 11 opening singles matches at the French Open, with his sole defeat coming against Fernando Verdasco in 2017.