Zverev beats Cobolli in tense Paris final for first Grand Slam

Alexander Zverev ended his long wait for a Grand Slam title as the second seed survived a five-set battle against Italy's Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in the French Open men's singles final on Sunday.

Alexander Zverev hits a return during the men's singles final match between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Flavio Cobolli of Italy at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)

Zverev, 29, who had lost his previous three major finals, became the first German man in the Open Era to win the singles title at Roland Garros.

Playing in his first major final, Cobolli, 24, fought back from two sets to one down, winning a fourth-set tiebreak 7-5 to force a decider.

Flavio Cobolli hits a return during the men's singles final match between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Flavio Cobolli of Italy at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)

However, Zverev quickly regained control in the fifth set, breaking Cobolli twice early and saving two break points on the way to his maiden Grand Slam title.

Cobolli's runner-up finish capped a breakthrough campaign for the 10th seed, while Zverev became the second first-time Grand Slam singles champion crowned at Roland Garros this year, after Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva triumphed in the women's draw on Saturday.