Alexander Zverev secured his premier Grand Slam championship on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a grueling five-set French Open final. The third-ranked German outlasted his Italian opponent 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros, finally breaking through after losing his previous three major championship matches. The victory made Zverev the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Boris Becker in 1996.
Zverev appeared in control early, taking the opening set before Cobolli responded to level the match. The Italian, playing in his first Grand Slam final, forced a deciding set by winning a fourth-set tiebreak, but Zverev regained momentum in the fifth, using his experience to pull away and seal the title.
The victory offered redemption for Zverev whose career has included several near-misses and a devastating ankle injury suffered at Roland Garros in 2022. He also fell short in the 2020 U.S. Open final, the 2024 French Open final and the 2025 Australian Open final before finally lifting a major trophy on his fourth attempt.The win adds a Grand Slam title to a résumé that already includes Olympic gold and multiple ATP Finals championships.
“This court is so special to me in so many ways,” Zverev remarked during the post-match ceremony. Reflecting on his journey, he noted his past physical struggles and final defeats on the Parisian clay before adding, “I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago, but now, finally, it’s a happy ending.”
Cobolli, who was attempting to become the first Italian man to win the tournament in 50 years, addressed his opponent, stating: “Alex, if someone asks me who deserves more this title, I always say you. It’s been an honour for our relationship to share the court with you today. I’m happy for you, but I’m also sad because I was close and I feel it. Now that you achieve your dream, let me win the next time.”
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