### Lightning Strikes: A Shocking Start to Zverev's French Open Journey - German tennis star Alexander Zverev, a top contender for the French Open, faced an unexpected challenge as his flight to Paris was struck by lightning. This incident occurred on May 23, 2025, and forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Hamburg, significantly delaying Zverev's arrival for the prestigious tournament at Roland Garros [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-14746213/French-Open-favourites-plane-struck-LIGHTNING-tennis-stars-Roland-Garros-preparations-disrupted-bizarre-circumstances.html][https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/tennis/french-open-favourites-plane-struck-35281486]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Incident Overview**: Zverev's flight was struck by lightning, leading to an emergency landing in Hamburg. This unexpected event caused a delay in his travel plans, impacting his preparation for the French Open [https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/zverev-tennis-star-plane-lightning-emergency-landing-b1229592.html]. 2. **Zverev's Reaction**: During a press conference, Zverev described the experience as "hair-raising" but expressed his determination to focus on the tournament ahead despite the unsettling start [https://www.archynetys.com/plane-struck-by-lightning-tennis-stars-fright-roland-garros-impact]. 3. **Tournament Context**: As the world No. 3 and a favorite to win, Zverev's late arrival could affect his performance in the early rounds of the French Open, which is known for its demanding clay-court conditions [https://www.thespec.com/sports/tennis/alexander-zverev-says-lightning-struck-his-flight-to-paris-for-the-french-open/article_66d68645-56b0-5964-8f36-15cabb80c806.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Incident's Impact - **Flight Details**: The flight was en route from Hamburg to Paris when it was struck by lightning, necessitating an emergency landing. Zverev arrived in Paris hours later than planned, which could hinder his preparation for the tournament [https://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/article/alexander-zverev-says-his-plane-was-struck-by-lightning-while-en-route-to-french-open-183040904.html]. - **Zverev's Ranking**: As the third seed at Roland Garros, Zverev's performance is closely watched, and any disruption in his routine could have significant implications for his chances in the tournament [https://metro.co.uk/2025/05/24/french-open-tennis-stars-plane-struck-lightning-force-emergency-landing-23236813]. ### Conclusion: A Turbulent Start for Zverev at Roland Garros - **Key Findings**: 1. Alexander Zverev's flight to the French Open was struck by lightning, causing an emergency landing and delaying his arrival [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/world-news/french-open-favourites-plane-struck-31716511]. 2. Despite the frightening experience, Zverev remains focused on competing at Roland Garros, where he is a leading contender [https://au.news.yahoo.com/frightening-lightning-zverev-set-strike-111049245.html]. 3. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of travel and its potential impact on athletes' performance during major tournaments [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/zverev-flight-hit-by-lightning-hamburg-to-paris-emergency-landing-french-open-arrival-delayed/article69611976.ece]. In summary, while Zverev's journey to the French Open began with an alarming incident, his resilience and focus will be crucial as he prepares to compete on one of tennis's biggest stages.