"I'm happy I did not play 5 sets" - Zverev on Roland Garros opener

There was a smooth start for Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros campaign on Sunday in Paris as the third seed eased to a 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 first-round victory over Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner.

The third seed’s high-powered serving and forceful groundstrokes proved too much for the World No. 218, who was playing his first tour-level main draw match since the ATP 250 event in Los Cabos last July. He improved to 19-6 at the French Open saying afterwards:

“[I'm] very happy. Usually, I start a Grand Slam tournament with a five-set match and a few hours on court, but Sergi (Zverev's coach Sergi Bruguera) told me today not to do that so I listened to him for once! I’m happy with the match, especially against Sebastian who already played three matches here. He’s playing very well, so I’m happy with the start here.”

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He further added:

“I had a very stable clay-court season. Semis in Monte Carlo, final in Madrid, semis in Rome. But I didn’t win any tournaments. I’m always somebody that likes to win, rather than be stable. I’d rather lose first round, first round, first round and then win a tournament, so hopefully I can do that here. Hopefully I can play my best tennis here.”