Alexander Zverev has finally achieved the dream that had eluded him for years. The German tennis star captured the first Grand Slam title of his career after defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in the French Open final.
After several heartbreaking defeats on tennis’ biggest stage, Zverev managed to overcome the mental hurdle and claim the trophy that had long been missing from his impressive résumé. He had previously fallen in the 2020 US Open final to Dominic Thiem, lost the 2024 French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, and was defeated by Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.
Despite spending years among the world’s elite players, winning an Olympic gold medal and consistently remaining in the Top 5 rankings, the German was often criticized for his inability to capture a major title. His victory in Paris has finally put those doubts to rest.
The achievement also carries historical significance for German tennis. Zverev became the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Boris Becker lifted the Australian Open trophy in 1996.
This year’s path to the title was somewhat eased by the unexpected exits of several leading contenders. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament before it began due to a wrist injury, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner suffered a shock second-round defeat, while Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the third round.
Zverev took full advantage of the opportunity presented to him and produced a series of composed performances to secure the biggest success of his career.
However, questions remain as to whether this title marks the beginning of a new rivalry with Alcaraz and Sinner, or whether it simply represents a rare opportunity seized in an unusually open draw. Unlike some of his biggest rivals, Zverev did not have to face the sport’s leading names in the latter stages of the tournament.
Regardless, one thing is certain: the German can no longer be labeled as one of the best players never to have won a Grand Slam title. His victory in Paris has earned him something that can never be taken away — the status of Grand Slam champion.
With the Coupe des Mousquetaires finally in his hands, Zverev has proved that he can succeed on tennis’ grandest stage. And that achievement may well prove to be the defining turning point of his career.
