Alexander Zverev Ends Grand Slam Wait With French Open Win

Alexander Zverev finally broke his Grand Slam duck on Sunday, June 7, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a gripping five-set French Open final to claim the first major title of his career.

The world number two and second seed overcame a spirited challenge from the 10th-seeded Italian to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 in four hours and 16 minutes at Roland Garros.

The victory made Zverev the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Boris Becker lifted the Australian Open crown in 1996.

“This court is so special to me in so many ways… but now finally, it’s a happy end,” said Zverev.

The 29-year-old’s French Open win came on the same Court Philippe Chatrier where he suffered a devastating ankle injury during the 2022 semi-final against Rafael Nadal and where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 final.

After three previous defeats in Grand Slam finals, Zverev finally got his hands on a major trophy.

“We’ve been through losses, we’ve been losers at times as well in the most important moments,” he said during the trophy presentation, turning to his team.

“But at the end of the day, we’re Grand Slam champions now, and that’s what counts.”

The defeat ended a remarkable run for Cobolli in Paris. The 24-year-old was chasing history as he sought to become the first Italian man since Adriano Panatta to win the French Open.

Playing in his first Grand Slam final after reaching the last four for the first time, Cobolli fought back twice to force a deciding set.

“It’s not easy for me to talk right now,” said Cobolli after receiving the runner-up trophy from Panatta, before addressing Zverev.

“I’m happy for you, but I’m also sad because I was close and I feel it. So now you’ve achieved your dream, let me win the next time.”

The Italian looked overwhelmed in the opening set, spraying 16 unforced errors as Zverev raced through it in just 39 minutes.

Cobolli settled in the second set and stunned the German with a break in the seventh game before serving out the set to level the contest.

The third set appeared headed his way when he led 30-0 while serving to stay alive, but four straight lost points handed Zverev the breakthrough he needed.

Cobolli responded again in the fourth set. Although he failed to serve it out at 5-4, he regrouped in the tie-break and forced a decider with a superb forehand winner.

Any hopes of a famous comeback faded early in the fifth. Zverev broke in the opening game and tightened his grip after saving several break points before moving clear.

Cobolli missed a chance to break back and then dropped serve again to trail 3-0. From there, Zverev never looked back.

The German sealed win on his second championship point when Cobolli mis-hit an overhead, prompting Zverev to collapse onto the clay in celebration.