Alexander Zverev is now part of a very exclusive club after capturing his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
Zverev came through a five-set battle against Flavio Cobolli, taking the title with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 victory in Paris.
The second seed needed over four hours to get past Cobolli and become the latest player to lift the trophy on the clay of Court Philippe Chatrier.
Now ranked third in the world, Zverev broke through after three previous final defeats, finally earning his place among Grand Slam winners at age 29.
Zverev joins a long list of champions at Roland Garros. The most celebrated is Rafael Nadal, who reached out on social media to congratulate him just moments after the win.
Rafael Nadal shares a message for Alexander Zverev after Roland Garros victory
Nadal, who lifted the French Open trophy a record 14 times during his career, posted on X: “Congratulations, [Alexander Zverev] on winning [Roland Garros]! So well deserved after all the hard work and perseverance. You’ve been chasing your first Grand Slam for a long time, and you absolutely deserve it! And congratulations to Flavio as well for a fantastic tournament!”
Another sporting figure who was pleased for Zverev was cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He also shared a message on social media. “Sometimes tennis can take a long time to give back what players keep putting in,” he wrote on X.
“Good to see Alexander Zverev win his first Grand Slam at Roland-Garros today. Always felt he was a special player! Credit to Flavio Cobolli for the way he competed today as well, both players gave everything to the game.”
Rod Laver and Billie Jean King praise Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros triumph
It was an outstanding display from both players, who left it all on the court in a match that delivered for fans inside Philippe Chatrier and those watching from home. The positive reactions didn’t stop there, as two of tennis’ most respected voices also joined in the praise.
Laver, who had earlier recognised Mirra Andreeva’s win in the women’s draw, shared similar thoughts about Zverev’s achievement.
“Roland Garros finishes with a great final between two players who gave everything out there,” Laver wrote on X. “Well done Alexander Zverev, a deserving champion. Flavio Cobolli showed real fight throughout the match and will surely have his moment soon enough. Good luck to both on the grass!”
Billie Jean King added: “Congratulations to [Alexander Zverev] on his very first Grand Slam Singles title! He is also the first man with Type 1 Diabetes to win a major. What a victory for everyone living with this disease.”
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