ROLAND GARROS, Paris. By Leo Canaparo
It took Alexander Zverev four Grand Slam finals to finally reach the summit, but when his moment arrived, it came on one of tennis’ biggest stages. The 29-year-old German defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 in the 2026 Roland Garros final to capture the first major title of his career and lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires in Paris.
With the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, sidelined by injury and targeting a return during the North American hard-court swing, and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner suffering a shock second-round defeat to Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, the tournament opened up in a way few could have predicted. Zverev seized the opportunity with both hands.
The German had to overcome more than just an inspired opponent. Throughout the match, Cobolli’s fearless shot-making constantly tested him, while the pressure of competing for a maiden Grand Slam title appeared to take a physical toll. Early in the fourth set, holding a two-sets-to-one lead, Zverev requested medical treatment after struggling with his movement, possibly due to cramps. Physiotherapists were called onto the court, and he even accepted a tablet offered by Brazilian doubles specialist Marcelo Melo, a member of his support team.
Although the intervention was not enough to prevent him from losing the fourth set in a tiebreak, it appeared to provide some relief heading into the decider. In the fifth set, Zverev quickly regained control, racing away from his opponent and leaving little room for late drama as he closed out the biggest victory of his career.
With the triumph, Zverev becomes the first German man to win the Roland Garros singles title in the Open Era and the first German player to capture a Grand Slam singles crown in more than three decades. The last German to achieve the feat was Boris Becker, who won the Australian Open in 1996.
For years, Zverev had been regarded as one of the sport’s most talented players without a major title. In Paris, that narrative finally changed. After years of near misses, setbacks, and heartbreaking defeats on the biggest stages, he leaves Roland Garros as a Grand Slam champion.