PARIS — Alexander Zverev has spent years putting himself in position to win a Grand Slam title.

Now, he may have one of his best opportunities yet.

As the French Open moves into its final stages, the men's draw looks much different than it did when the tournament began. Several of the biggest threats are no longer standing, leaving Zverev among the most accomplished players remaining in the field.

That alone guarantees nothing.

But it does create an opportunity that has been difficult to find during an era dominated by players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Zverev has been one of the most consistent performers on tour for nearly a decade. He owns multiple Masters 1000 titles, an Olympic gold medal and has reached the latter stages of Grand Slams on numerous occasions. Yet the biggest title in the sport has remained just out of reach.

He has come close before.

The German held a two-set lead in the 2020 U. S. Open final before falling to Dominic Thiem in five sets. Four years later, he reached the French Open final and pushed Alcaraz the distance before ultimately finishing runner-up.

Those losses do not disappear.

Players carry those moments with them, especially when another opportunity presents itself.

At the same time, those experiences can also help.

There are not many players left in the draw who have spent as much time competing in high-pressure matches on the biggest stages. Zverev knows what the second week of a major feels like. He understands the attention, the expectations and the questions that come with being viewed as a legitimate title contender.

On clay, he has long been one of the toughest outs in the sport.

His serve can earn free points when he needs them most. His backhand remains one of the most reliable shots in men's tennis, and his movement on the surface has improved significantly throughout his career. When he is playing with confidence, he has the ability to dictate points without taking unnecessary risks.

Still, the biggest obstacle may not be across the net.

It may be the pressure that comes with knowing this is a real chance to finally capture a major title.

Grand Slam opportunities are precious. Players spend entire careers waiting for a draw to open up or for circumstances to break their way. When it happens, the challenge becomes taking advantage of it.

That is where Zverev finds himself now.

The path ahead remains difficult. The players left in the draw are there for a reason, and every match from this point forward carries enormous stakes. One poor service game, one lapse in concentration or one hot streak from an opponent can change everything.

But there is no question that the conversation surrounding Zverev feels different this year.

For much of his career, discussions centered around whether he could put himself into contention.

He has already done that.

Now the focus shifts to whether he can finish the job.

The opportunity is there.

What happens next could determine how this French Open — and perhaps Zverev's career — is ultimately remembered.