Alexander Zverev Wins First Grand Slam Title at the 2026 French Open

German tennis player Alexander Zverev kisses the trophy after winning the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros, Paris, France, Sunday (7/6/2026). (French Tennis Federation)

JAKARTA - As a two-time ATP Finals champion, seven-time ATP Masters 1000 champion, and Olympic gold medalist, Alexander Zverev finally won a Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

"First of all, I can't believe that I won. Then I looked at the stands, and they were all celebrating the victory," Zverev said after the victory, quoted by Antara from the ATP, Monday.

"That's when I realized I had won. Especially seeing my dad raise both hands, that's when I realized, 'Okay, I won'."

Zverev came close to winning a Grand Slam title in 2020 at the US Open, where he led by two sets and a break against Dominic Thiem before losing in five sets.

Two other Grand Slam final defeats followed, leaving the German still searching for the big moments that have eluded him.

The moment of the 29-year-old finally arrived at Roland Garros, where he beat Flavio Cobolli to win his first Grand Slam title.

"Then when I was lying on the court, all the emotions came out because this court is very, very special for me, both positively and negatively. I've had some of the toughest moments in my tennis career here," said Zverev.

"I've been lying on this court with injuries I didn't know if I would recover from. I lost a Grand Slam final here. All those memories are for me, they can't be erased. The memories are still there, but this victory will beat all the other victories."

For someone who has spent years chasing this moment, Zverev will always keep that memory.

Not only as a happy memory, but also as an encouragement to self-confidence and a reminder of what can be achieved thanks to perseverance.

The world No. 3 finally won the trophy he had been chasing for a long time.

"It happened to me very early in the Masters 1000 tournament because I won one tournament when I was 20 years old. I have won many Masters 1000 tournaments since then, and for the main tournament it took longer," said Zverev.

"Now, whatever happens, I will always be a Grand Slam champion, and no one can take that away from me."

Reflecting on the biggest win of his career so far, Zverev praised his team for their part in the achievement.

The German said their support was crucial throughout his journey. His father, Alexander Zverev Sr., as his coach and his brother, former world number 25 Mischa Zverev, also played a key role as part of the team.

"In my scenario, it's really a family effort and a team effort. Because I've had the same team for at least 12 years, with the same physical trainer, even a longer trainer," said Zverev.

"I think everyone deserves this trophy equally."

Zverev defeated Cobolli, with a score of 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 to win his first Grand Slam title in Paris.

In a tense match on Philippe-Chatrier Court, Zverev was more stable in the first and third sets before showing incredible resilience in the last set which was lopsided.

After Cobolli fought hard to win a dramatic fourth-set tie-break with a deadly forehand, Zverev refused to let the opportunity slip away.

After almost winning the fourth set, Zverev bounced back and dominated the fifth set to secure a hard-won victory in four hours and 16 minutes.