"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.”

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.”