It's done. After years of near-misses and three Grand Slam finals lost, Alexander Zverev is finally a Major champion. The German defeated Italy's Flavio Cobolli in five sets this Sunday, June 7, on Court Philippe-Chatrier, claiming the Coupe des Mousquetaires at the end of a marathon final that will go down in Roland-Garros history.
A Final with Twists and Turns
The scenario was written for a thriller. Zverev took the first set by completely dominating (6-1), his serve and forehand imposing a clear law. Cobolli reacted in the second set, playing more aggressively, catching the German off guard. The two players then exchanged blows until a fourth set of rare intensity, which the Italian snatched in a tie-break (7-6) to level at two sets all.
In the decisive fifth set, Zverev responded with authority. He broke immediately and then a second time to establish a comfortable lead, saving three break points in the process and resisting the Italian's final attempts. Match, set, and match: Zverev.
Relief for the German
Alexander Zverev, 29, was playing his fourth Grand Slam final. After the US Open 2020, lost against Dominic Thiem at the end of a fifth set, and two other disappointments, the pressure was immense. Six double faults in the final betrayed the tension of a man who knows the cost of an error at this level. This time, he held on.
Cobolli in History Despite Defeat
Flavio Cobolli, 24, also enters history. Revealed in the tournament after the withdrawals and early eliminations of Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic, the Italian player breaks into the world's top 10 on Monday, regardless of the outcome. He becomes the figurehead of the resurgence of transalpine tennis after Sinner.
The day before, in the women's final, Mirra Andreeva had won against Maja Chwalinska. In the women's doubles, the pair Townsend / Siniakova had won the title.
Key Takeaways
- Zverev wins his first Grand Slam at 29 years old.
- Final score: 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), victory in the 5th set.
- Cobolli enters the world's top 10 on Monday.
- Andreeva crowned champion in the women's category the day before.
