Roddick predicts the Roland Garros 2026 champion: Not Alcaraz or Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are predicted to meet again in the Roland Garros final and create another classic showdown, but "The Serve Machine" Andy Roddick disagrees.

Former world number one Andy Roddick recently made notable comments about the championship race Roland Garros 2026, in which he particularly highlighted Alexander Zverev's chances as a potential "dark horse."

Speaking on his personal podcast, Roddick provided a clear perspective on the competitive landscape, especially considering that the top three contenders—Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic—always dominate.

According to this former "serve machine," if those three names are removed from the race, Zverev could very well be the standout player. "Without them, he might have already won 5 or 6 Grand Slam titles.", he stated. While acknowledging that reality isn't so simple, Roddick still views the German player as the safest choice among the chasing group.

Zverev's strength, according to analysis, lies in his good adaptability to clay courts. With a power-oriented playing style from the baseline, high-spin shots, and agile movement despite his large physique, the German player is considered well-suited to the conditions in Paris. Notably, the clay surface also gives him extra time to handle the ball, thereby somewhat mitigating his weakness in the forehand.

Statistics also support this view, as Roland Garros is the Grand Slam where Zverev has the highest win rate, reaching 79%. He has frequently reached the semifinals and even came very close to the title by making the finals in 2022 and 2024.

Unfortunately, luck has not yet favored Sascha. In 2022, Zverev suffered a serious injury during the final against legend Rafael Nadal. Two years ago, the Russian-born player led Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 but couldn't stop his opponent's comeback.

In the context of the new generation rising strongly and competition becoming increasingly fierce, Roland Garros 2026 could continue to be the biggest opportunity for the German player to realize the missing dream in his career.