Alexander Zverev tells Boris Becker he's ready to create new memories

Alexander Zverev has struggled to get his groove back after recovering from an ankle injury during the 2022 French Open. But the World No. 27 is confident of turning over a new leaf, and he recently remarked that it's time to "create new memories."

Zverev hasn't faced too much trouble in reaching the third round of the 2023 French Open. He defeated Lloyd Harris 7-6(6), 7-6(0), 6-1 in the first round and Alex Molcan 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 in the second round.

Speaking to the 26-year-old on Eurosport after his second-round win, former World No. 1 Boris Becker asked Zverev what had changed for him in the last couple of matches.

"I think you're back, I believe you've closed the chapter of tears today. But what happened to the way you play? The legs were running, the arm was running. That's not what you somehow learned or unlearned now. What happened there?" Becker asked.

Zverev responded that he hadn't had time for much practice prior to the French Open.

"Sometimes you really have to go back to the place where it happened," he said. "Sometimes you just need to completely close that chapter once and for all because I didn't have the chance. I played in Geneva, which means I didn't pratice on the court. I didn't warm up on the court, that was truly the first time I stepped back on the court."

"Maybe you really have to completely close it off, draw a line and say, 'Okay, I'm going to create new memories on the court now'. Maybe today was that day, let's see how it will be in the next matches," Alexander Zverev added.

Alexander Zverev to play Frances Tiafoe in the third round of the 2023 French Open

Alexander Zverev at the 2023 French Open

Alexander Zverev is all set to face his biggest test so far at the 2023 French Open. His opponent in the third round of the tournament is World No. 12 Frances Tiafoe.

"The upcoming matches won't be easier. Frances Tiafoe is playing the best tennis of his life this year, there's no denying that, and I know he won't be an easy opponent," Zverev said of the matchup.

Tiafoe defeated Filip Krajinovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the first round, and Aslan Karatsev 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 in the second round,

This will be the eighth head-to-had duel between the German and the American, with Zverev currently leading 6-1. Their last match was back in 2021 when Zverev emerged victorious 7-5, 6-4 in the final of the Vienna Open.