In Rome, Zverev is confident: "I know what it's like to win here".

Along with Stefanos Tsitsipas, he is now the favourite to win the Italian title. Alexander Zverev could well take advantage of Rome's hecatomb to revive his season.

After a superb start to the season (title at the United Cup, semi-final at the Australian Open, quarter-final at Indian Wells, semi-final at Miami), Zverev is struggling a little on clay. Accustomed to playing well on the surface, like his three semi-finals at Roland Garros (2021, 2022, 2023) or his titles in Madrid (2018, 2021) and Rome (2017), the German needs to do better. Before arriving in Italy, the world number 5 had a rather disappointing record on clay (3 wins in 6 matches).

But the German right-hander has made a very solid start to the tournament. As he heads into the quarter-finals without having lost a set, the German could be a welcome reminder of the ATP circuit. Before facing Taylor Fritz for a place in the semi-finals (this Wednesday, not before 8.30pm), Sacha was keen to warn his rivals. He knows what it's like to win at the Foro Italico: "I had high expectations of the clay-court season, and the first few tournaments didn't go well. But now I feel comfortable in Rome. I know what it's like to win here, I've done it before. My tennis is adapting well to these conditions and I feel like I've got a good ball rhythm and intensity in my legs."