The world number three finally conquered the biggest stage of his career on Sunday by winning the men’s singles title at the French Open at Roland Garros.

Zverev was pushed all the way by Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a gripping final that went the distance on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The German held his nerve in a five-set thriller to prevail 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 and capture the elusive major title that had long escaped him.

Alexander Zverev. Photo: Amélie Laurin/FFT

The former Olympic champion has often been labelled the best player never to win a Grand Slam. That tag can now be put to rest after he finally got over the line against the fearless 10th seed.

The victory was historic. Zverev became the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title in 30 years, since Boris Becker lifted the Australian Open trophy in Melbourne in 1996.

Even more significantly, he became the first German men’s singles player ever to win the French Open – an achievement that even the legendary Becker never managed.

The triumph carried extra emotional weight for Zverev, who has endured his fair share of heartbreak on the Paris clay. Two years ago, he surrendered a two-sets-to-one lead in the final against Carlos Alcaraz with the trophy within touching distance. 

Two years before that, he suffered a devastating ankle injury during a semi-final against Rafael Nadal while in a strong position, an injury that sidelined him for six months. This time, however, there was a fairy-tale ending.

Following his historic victory, an emotional Zverev reflected on his special relationship with Roland Garros and the journey that finally led him to Grand Slam glory.

Alexander Zverev. Photo: Loïc Wacziak/FFT

“This court is so special to me in so many ways,” said Zverev. “I've had the best moments of my life on this court. I had the worst moment of my life on these courts.

“I was lying in that corner over there four years ago with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones.

“I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago, but now, finally, it’s a happy ending. I really felt like the crowd was pushing me throughout the entire two weeks.”

Meanwhile, a first-time women’s Grand Slam champion was also crowned on Saturday as the Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva announced herself on the sport’s biggest stage.

The 19-year-old, ranked eighth in the world, produced a composed display to defeat Poland’s Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 and claim the women’s singles title.

The victory marked Andreeva’s maiden Grand Slam crown and is expected to propel the rising star further up the WTA rankings as she continues her rapid ascent in the women’s game.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg