Alexander Zverev : A Maiden Grand Slam

Alexander Zverev overcomes Flavio Cobolli in 5 sets to win his first ever Grand Slam at Roland Garros 2026.

Now, if you would have told me Alexander (Sasha) Zverev would win a Grand Slam title eventually, I would have believed you. A 6'6 athlete with one of the biggest serves on tour coupled with an all time backhand sounds like ideal characterisistics to win Wimbledon or the US Open, but on clay? Nevertheless let's break down some of the top stories of this long overdue sporting accomplishment.

Zverev vs Zverev

Alexander Zverev has long had the reputation of being one of the best tennis players who has never won a Grand Slam title ( Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US open & Austrailian Open) but good things come to those who wait. After 12 years and 3 previous Grand Slam finals Sasha can hold his head high above those who doubted his ability to battle his own nerve and tackle the pressure.

Often critisised for being the downfall for his own demise, losing big matches were due to his execution under pressure. Coming into this match as the favorite looked like a typical moment for a player like Zverev to again, fail, and there were moments in this match where we thought..." He's going to do it again isn't he". But Zverev's experience, yet bad experience, is still experience.

An "Easy" Draw

After the announcement of Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the tournament, the fall of Jannik Sinner in round 2 and Djokovic in round 3, suddenly Alexander Zverev had a very clear sight of winning is first grand Slam. But after quickly becoming the favourite, there was an abundance of pressure on the 29 year old's shoulders.

Many will say this title run was "easy" after only having to beat one Top 10 player on his way to victory, but in Sasha's case, you can only beat who's infront of you. Winning a title should never be labelled as "easy" let alone winning 21 sets to order to win a major title.

Who is Flavio Cobolli?

Flavio Cobolli, a 24-year-old Italian, turned pro in 2020 and has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 12 in the world, currently sitting at No. 10. In terms of play style, Cobolli is known for his aggressive baseline game, combining powerful groundstrokes with excellent court coverage, making him effective on a variety of surfaces. His game is built around fluid movement and a fearless forehand, and his preferred surface is clay, though he has shown versatility by also claiming his first hardcourt ATP title at the 2026 Mexican Open.

Source : ATP

Zverev and Cobolli first met at RG last year, with Sasha coming out on top in straight sets comfortably, in comparison with yesterday's meeting being quite the opposite. To summarise, yesterday's final consited of ebs and flows for both players. Zverev's serve proving to be dominant with a first serve percentage of over 70. Flavio was also nervous and rightfully so. A first Grand Slam final for the Italian seemed to be one step to far, especially in the 5th and decisive set after being down 0-4. Riddled with unforced errors and double faults, Zverev was quick to capitalise and with the match with tears of joy celebrating an accolade he never would've thought. Congratulations Sasha.