Alexander Zverev finally wins first Grand Slam Title
Alexander Zverev is finally a Grand Slam champion.
The German star defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 in the Roland Garros final to get the first major title of his career.
The victory ends years of frustration and near misses for Zverev, who has come close to Grand Slam glory on several occasions but had never managed to get over the finish line until now.
Zverev becomes the first German man to win Roland Garros since Henner Henkel in 1937 and the first German man to win a Grand Slam title since Boris Becker in 1996.
After the match, Zverev paid tribute to Cobolli, who was appearing in the first Grand Slam final of his career.
“I want to congratulate Flavio. Unbelievable two weeks. Reaching your first grand slam final. Playing this way in your first grand slam final is incredible, not many people do that.”
“Really from the bottom of my heart I hope that you will hold one of these trophies very soon.”
Zverev also praised Cobolli’s team.
“For me it’s one of the nicest teams on tour. Papa, you’re one of the best people on tour. We always have great conversations. I always enjoy being around you guys.”
The title carries special meaning for Zverev because of his history at Roland Garros.
In 2022, he suffered a devastating ankle injury on Court Philippe-Chatrier that forced him out of the tournament and sidelined him for months. Two years later, he returned to the final but fell short again.
“This court is so special to me in so many ways,” Zverev said.
“I’ve had the best moments of my life on these courts. I’ve had the worst moment of my life on these courts.”
“I was playing on that corner over there four years ago with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones. I lost a grand slam final here two years ago. But now finally it’s a happy end.”
The emotion was clear as Zverev reflected on the journey that led him to this moment.
“We’ve been through injuries. We’ve been through heartbreak. We’ve been through losses. We’ve been losers at times in the important moments.”
“But at the end of the day, we’re Grand Slam Champions now.”
After years of waiting, Zverev finally has the title that had long eluded him.
