Zverev captures first French Open title, ending Slam drought in five-set epic
Alexander Zverev won his first Grand Slam title yesterday at the French Open, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a gripping five-set final 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 after four hours and 16 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. The victory ends years of frustration for the world number three, including a devastating 2022 ankle injury during the Roland Garros semi-finals and losses in three previous Slam finals—most recently to Carlos Alcaraz in 2024.
For Zverev, it was redemption: "This court is so special to me in so many ways, but now finally, it’s a happy end." He became the first German man to win a Slam singles title since Boris Becker at the 1996 Australian Open. Reflecting with his team, he said, "We’ve been through losses. We’ve been losers at times in the most important moments. But at the end of the day, we’re Grand Slam champions now."
Cobolli, making his first Slam final appearance after benefiting from Matteo Arnaldi’s semi-final withdrawal due to illness, called the loss "heartbreaking" but vowed to return stronger.
What long-held goal are you pursuing despite setbacks, and how might Zverev’s journey inspire your next step?