TENNIS: Cramps helped me shed mental weight, says French Open champion Zverev

PARIS — Cramping in the fourth set of the French Open final turned out to be a turning point for Alexander Zverev on Sunday, as the German said it ultimately helped him release tension and regain control on his way to his first Grand Slam title.

“With Jannik going out, Novak going out, I managed to stay composed. But then today I feel I didn’t manage so well. I was nervous, but it’s also human,” Zverev said at a press conference after defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1.

The second-seeded German entered the final as the overwhelming favorite after world number one Jannik Sinner was eliminated in the second round and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic exited in the third round, opening up the draw and increasing the pressure on Zverev following three previous defeats in major finals.

Zverev acknowledged that his cramping was linked to nerves, but said the physical setback ultimately helped him reset mentally.

“The cramps helped me because in the end it helped my mind let go,” he said. “That’s why I played the fifth set the way I did.”

After years marked by injuries, near misses, and heartbreak, Zverev finally stood on Court Philippe Chatrier as a Grand Slam champion, reflecting on the long and difficult path that led him to tennis’s biggest stage.

“We’ve been through so much — injuries, heartbreak, losses,” an emotional Zverev told his team during the trophy ceremony.

“We’ve been losers at some moments, but we’re Grand Slam champions now. That’s what counts.”

The victory completed one of the sport’s most demanding journeys to a major title.

Four years after leaving Roland Garros in a wheelchair with seven broken bones in his foot, and two years after falling short in the Paris final against Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev finally captured the trophy that had long eluded him.

The 29-year-old also paid tribute to the team that stayed with him through setbacks, joking that he could not escape his father, who has coached him throughout his career, or his brother Mischa. He also credited his physical trainer, who has worked with him since 2014.

“I probably have the longest-lasting team and coach on the tour,” he said.

Zverev also had words of praise for Cobolli, whose breakthrough run ended one win short of a maiden Grand Slam title.

“From the bottom of my heart, I hope you lift this trophy very soon,” Zverev told the Italian. “You’re one of the best people on tour.”

Cobolli, still processing the five-set defeat, responded emotionally during the ceremony.

“I’m happy for you, but I’m also sad because I was close,” he said. “I feel it now that you have achieved your dream. Let me win the next time.”

The Musketeers’ Cup was later presented to Zverev by Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win Roland Garros in 1976.

“It’s been the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV—not you, Adriano, because I wasn’t born yet—but it’s been a privilege and an honor to have you here. I felt a little pressure, it’s always tough to play in front of you,” Cobolli said.

He also thanked his supporters.

“I want to say thanks to the blue wall behind me. I cannot look at you, otherwise I’ll cry,” Cobolli said. “I just want to ask you one thing: I want to see all the smiles from you guys. It’s been fantastic to be with you. Thank you for coming. My mom is still alive, so I’m happy.” -Reporting by Julien Pretot, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters