French Open 2026: Alexander Zverev had the ‘best and worst moments’ of his life on Court Philippe-Chatrier

Zverev had long been dubbed the best player of his generation to fail to win a Grand Slam after a series of near misses, including three defeats in major finals.

He lost the final against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open, although he was in two sets and served the championship with a score of 5-3 in the final set.

Zverev then edged Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one in the 2024 French Open final, but it was the Spaniard who lifted his first Coupe des Mousquetaires.

He was left behind by Jannik Sinner’s brutal performance at the 2025 Australian Open and Zverev said he felt mentally “empty” a few months later.

“Last year was one of the most difficult moments of my tennis career,” Zverev said.

“It’s one of the happiest moments this year. It feels so different right now.”

It looked like the pressure of a Grand Slam final might be too much for a fourth time when the twice-defeated 24-year-old Cobolli forced a decisive fifth set.

But Zverev, who has struggled with his emotions on the field in the past, mustered the courage to end his big final curse.

Zverev, who fell on his back during the celebration, dedicated his victory to his team, which included his father and brother.

“We have experienced injuries, heartbreaks and losses. At the most important moments, we have also been losers from time to time,” Zverev said. he said.

“At the end of the day, we are Grand Slam champions now and that is what matters.

“I was lying on this field with an injury not knowing if I would come back. All those memories have not faded,” he said.

“They’re still with me, but this will beat them all.”