Alize Cornet Blasts Alexander Zverev for ‘Lack of Respect’ After Roland Garros Final Spot

Alexander Zverev advanced to the 2026 Roland Garros final after a four-set victory over Jakub Mensik in the semi-final, but it was not his tennis that dominated the conversation afterwards — it was a throwaway remark made during his post-match interview with Alex Corretja.

Discussing how he manages pressure on the biggest stages, Zverev offered a self-deprecating explanation that quickly sparked a reaction. “It’s a blank. I try to completely empty my head and not think about anything,” he said. “Honestly, we’re athletes, but very few of us have anything in our heads anyway (laughs). Sometimes it’s easier to just be silly and not think too much.”

The comment, intended as a lighthearted remark, did not land well with everyone watching. Former French professional Alize Cornet, who was providing commentary for French television, took immediate issue with Zverev’s generalisation about athletes.

“The pointlessness of this statement, I’m stunned, actually. To say that athletes have nothing between their ears… Okay, he’s speaking for himself, but we’re all in the same boat,” Cornet said. “Seriously, it’s crazy when you think about it, to say that on centre court. It’s such a lack of respect for the players, for the athletes… I’m calming down, I’m calming down. If he meant to be funny, it wasn’t.”

Throughout his run in Paris, Zverev has adopted a deliberately understated approach with the media, a strategy that appears designed to avoid the weight of expectation. He previously stated he did not care about reaching the semi-finals, and has maintained a similarly detached public persona as he has progressed through the draw.

The German became the clear favourite to win the title following the early departures of world number one Jannik Sinner and former champion Novak Djokovic, two of the tournament’s most prominent contenders.

On the court, Zverev’s form has been difficult to question. He has dropped just two sets across the entire tournament, defeating Benjamin Bonzi, Quentin Halys, Jesper de Jong, Tomas Machac, Rafael Jodar, and Mensik to reach his second Roland Garros final. His path to the final has also produced a notable statistical footnote: Zverev has become the first player to reach a Grand Slam final without defeating a single ATP top-20 opponent since he accomplished the same at the 2020 US Open.

The 2020 US Open run carries particular significance in Zverev’s career — he reached the final that year before losing to Dominic Thiem in five sets, his only Grand Slam final appearance prior to this year’s Roland Garros. A victory in Paris would deliver him his first major title.

Cornet, who retired from professional tennis in 2023 after a career spanning more than two decades, has been a vocal commentator on the sport since transitioning to the broadcast side. Her criticism reflects a broader sensitivity around public statements that could be perceived as dismissive of the mental and intellectual demands placed on professional athletes.

Whether or not Zverev’s media approach has contributed to his form remains a matter of perspective, but statistically, his campaign in Paris stands as one of the most dominant in the men’s draw this fortnight.