After years among the best in the world and three lost finals, Alexander Zverev finally conquered his first Grand Slam title this Sunday by defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5) and 6-1 in the final of Roland Garros.
The match was a test of endurance. "Sascha" started with authority and clearly took the first set, although Cobolli, who was playing in the first Grand Slam final of his career, quickly reacted to level the score. The German regained control in the third set, but the Italian responded again and forced a fifth set after winning a tight tie-break.
When the match entered its decisive phase, the best version of the German appeared. Fitter both physically and mentally, he took the initiative from the start of the final set, broke his opponent's serve twice, and closed the match with a resounding 6-1 to seal the greatest achievement of his career.
The path to the crown was marked by an atypical tournament. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, could not compete due to an injury, while the world number one, Jannik Sinner, was suddenly eliminated in the second round by Argentine Juan Manuel Cerúndolo. With the two top favorites out of the race, Zverev took the spotlight and seized the opportunity.
The title also holds historical significance for German tennis. Zverev became the first male champion of Roland Garros from his country in the Open Era and the first German to win a Grand Slam since Boris Becker won the Australian Open in 1996.
On the other hand, this victory in Paris also had special personal value. In that same venue, but in 2022, the Hamburg native suffered one of the most painful injuries of his career when he tore the ligaments in his right ankle during a semi-final against Rafael Nadal. That time he left the court in tears; this time he was emotional again, but with the Musketeers' Cup in his hands.
