From losers to Grand Slam champions: Zverev pays emotional tribute to his team
World number three Alexander Zverev paid an emotional tribute to the team that stood by him through years of injury, heartbreak and painful defeats after winning his first Grand Slam title at the French Open on Sunday.
The German beat 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.
During the trophy presentation, Zverev reflected on the setbacks he and his team have experienced together throughout their careers.
“We’ve been through so much through injuries, through heartbreak, through losses,” Zverev said emotionally.
“We’ve lost at times, but now we’re Grand Slam champions. That’s what counts.”
The victory capped a remarkable journey for the 29-year-old, who for years carried the tag of the greatest player never to win a Grand Slam.
Sunday’s triumph also ended the 30-year wait for a German men’s singles major. No German has won a Grand Slam title since Boris Becker lifted the Australian Open trophy in 1996.
Highlights from the 2026 French Open Men’s Singles Final
Zverev now joins Becker, Michael Stich, Gottfried von Cramm and Henner Henkel among German 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 two sets to one.
Those memories were still fresh as he stood with the musketeer cup in his hands.
“I’ve had the best moments of my life on this court and I’ve had the worst moments of my life on these courts,” Zverev said.
“Four years ago I was lying there in that corner with seven broken ligaments and two fractures. Two years ago I lost a Grand Slam final. But now it’s finally a happy ending.”
The German came agonizingly close to the big title on several occasions. In 2020, he served for the US Open title against Dominic Thiem before losing in five sets. He then suffered another five-set defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open final and was beaten in straight sets by Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final last year.
After finally breaking through, Zverev thanked the team that stuck by his side through every setback.
The German joked that he couldn’t get rid of either his father, who coached him throughout his career, or Misha’s brother. He also thanked his physical trainer, who has been working with him since 2014.
“I have probably the longest-running 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 maiden Grand Slam title.
“I hope with all my heart that you will lift this trophy very soon,” Zverev told the Italian.
“You’re one of the best people on tour.
Cobolli, playing in his first Grand Slam final, congratulated Zverev but admitted the defeat was hard to take.
“I’m happy for you, but I’m also sad because I was close and I feel it now that you (achieved) your dream, let me win next time,” the Italian said before compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian 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 was the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV, not you Adriano, because I wasn’t born, but it was a privilege and an honor to have you here. I felt a little pressure from my side, playing in front of you is always difficult.”
The Italian also thanked the fans who cheered him on throughout the tournament.
“I want to thank the blue wall behind me. I can’t look at you or I’ll cry,” he said.
“I just want to ask you one thing: I want to see all the smiles from you guys, because it was fantastic to be with you. Thank you for coming. My mom is still alive, so I’m happy.”
However, for Zverev, this day was a success he had been chasing for more than a decade.
After years of near misses, injuries and final defeats, he finally left Roland Garros as a Grand Slam champion.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
08 Jun 2026 01:05 IST