World No.3 Alexander Zverev paid an emotional tribute to the team that stood by him through years of injuries, heartbreak and painful defeats after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open on Sunday.
The German defeated Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to finally end his wait for a major title after losing three previous Grand Slam finals.
Speaking during the trophy ceremony, Zverev reflected on the setbacks he and his team had endured together throughout his career.
“We’ve been through so much through injuries, through heartbreak, through losses,” an emotional Zverev said.
“We’ve been losers at some moments, but we’re Grand Slam champions now. That’s what counts.”
The victory capped a remarkable journey for the 29-year-old, who had spent years carrying the tag of the best player never to win a Grand Slam.
Sunday’s triumph also ended a 30-year wait for a German men’s singles major champion. No German man had won a Grand Slam title since Boris Becker lifted the Australian Open trophy in 1996.
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Zverev now joins Becker, Michael Stich, Gottfried von Cramm and Henner Henkel among Germany’s men’s Grand Slam champions.
Roland Garros has been the backdrop for some of the defining moments of Zverev’s career. In 2022, he suffered a serious ankle injury during his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal and had to leave the court in a wheelchair. Two years later, he lost the Roland Garros final to Carlos Alcaraz despite leading by two sets to one.
Those memories were still fresh as he stood with the Musketeers’ Cup in his hands.
“I’ve had the best moments of my life on this court, and I’ve had the worst moment of my life on these courts,” Zverev said.
“I was laying in that corner over there four years ago with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones. I lost a grand slam final year two years ago. But now, finally, it’s a happy end.”
The German had come agonisingly close to a major title on several occasions. He served for the US Open title against Dominic Thiem in 2020 before losing in five sets. He then suffered another five-set defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open final and was beaten by Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the Australian Open final last year.
After finally breaking through, Zverev thanked the team that remained alongside him through every setback.
The German joked that he could not get rid of either his father, who has coached him throughout his career, or his brother Mischa. He also thanked his physical trainer, who has worked with him since 2014.
“I probably have the longest-lasting team and coach on the tour,” he said.
Zverev also reserved warm words for Cobolli, whose breakthrough run in Paris ended one match short of a first Grand Slam title.
“From the bottom of my heart, I hope you lift this trophy very soon,” Zverev told the Italian.
“You’re one of the best people on tour.”
Cobolli, who was playing in his first Grand Slam final, congratulated Zverev while admitting the defeat was difficult to take.
“I’m happy for you but I’m also sad because I was close and I feel it now that you (have) achieved your dream, let me win the next time,” the Italian said before compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win Roland Garros in 1976, handed the trophy to Zverev.
Despite the loss, Cobolli reflected on what he described as the most memorable fortnight of his career.
“It’s been the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV, not you Adriano because I wasn’t born but it’s been a privilege and an honour to have you here. I felt a little pressure on my side, it’s always tough to play in front of you.”
The Italian also thanked the supporters who had cheered him throughout the tournament.
“I wanna say thanks to the blue wall behind me. I cannot look at you otherwise I’ll cry,” he said.
“I just wanna ask you one thing: so I wanna see all the smiles from you guys because it’s been fantastic to be with you. Thank you for coming. My mum is still alive so I’m happy.”
For Zverev, however, the day belonged to the achievement he had chased for more than a decade.
After years of near-misses, injuries and final defeats, he finally left Roland Garros as a Grand Slam champion.
– Ends
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