TENNIS: We used to be losers, now we're Grand Slam champions, Zverev tells his team

PARIS — After years marked by injuries, heartbreak and near misses, Alexander Zverev finally stood on Court Philippe Chatrier as a Grand Slam champion on Sunday, reflecting on the long road that led him to one of tennis’ most coveted prizes.

The German defeated Italy’s Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 in a gripping French Open final, sealing a breakthrough moment that had long eluded him despite multiple attempts on the sport’s biggest stages.

“We’ve been through so much—injuries, heartbreak, losses,” Zverev told his team during an emotional trophy ceremony. “We’ve had moments where we were the losers, but now we’re Grand Slam champions. That’s what counts.”

The victory completed one of tennis’ most demanding journeys to a major title. Four years earlier, Zverev left Roland Garros in a wheelchair after suffering seven broken bones in his foot. Two years ago, he endured another painful setback in Paris, falling short in the final against Carlos Alcaraz. On Sunday, he finally turned years of disappointment into triumph.

Now 29, Zverev paid tribute to the team that remained by his side through the setbacks. In a lighthearted moment, he joked that he could not escape his long-standing support system, including his father—who has coached him throughout his career—and his brother Mischa. He also acknowledged his physical trainer, who has worked with him since 2014.

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

Despite the significance of his victory, Zverev also made sure to recognize Cobolli, whose impressive run ended just one win shy of a maiden Grand Slam title.

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

Cobolli, still processing the emotional five-set defeat, offered his congratulations while expressing disappointment over coming so close.

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

The Italian also received support from his compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win the French Open in 1976, who presented Zverev with the Musketeers Cup.

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

Cobolli also thanked his supporters in the stands, who had backed him throughout his breakthrough tournament run.

“I want to say thanks to the blue wall behind me. I cannot look at you, otherwise I’ll cry,” he said. “I just want to see all your smiles. It’s been fantastic to be with you. Thank you for coming.”

Despite the defeat, Cobolli remained emotional and reflective, acknowledging both the pain of the moment and the pride of his achievement on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

The final capped a dramatic French Open, but the day ultimately belonged to Zverev, who finally turned persistence, resilience, and years of near-misses into Grand Slam glory. -Reporting by Julien Pretot, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters