“Fourth time’s the charm”: Zverev ends 89-year German wait, storms to maiden French Open title in five-set thriller

Alexander Zverev finally broke his Grand Slam duck Sunday, June 7, 2026, defeating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7(5-7) 6-1 in a dramatic five-set French Open final to win his first major title at the fourth attempt.

The 29-year-old German second seed became the first male German player to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires since Henner Henkel in 1937, ending an 89-year wait for his country at Roland-Garros.

–Zverev holds nerve in chaotic tournament–

With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner undone by the first-week heat wave and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic dumped out earlier, Zverev was the overwhelming favourite. But facing 14th-ranked first-time finalist Cobolli, he was pushed to the brink.

The big-serving German raced through the opener 6-1, dropped the second 4-6, then regained control 6-4 in the third. Cobolli refused to yield, snatching the fourth set tiebreak 7-5 to force a decider.

Zverev regrouped ruthlessly. He stormed the fifth set 6-1, collapsing to the clay in disbelief as he joined the Roland-Garros roll of honour.

It was redemption for Zverev, who lost in five sets to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 final. Four finals, four years of heartbreak, one historic breakthrough.

–Teen star Andreeva also crowns breakout run–

Earlier Sunday, teen sensation Mirra Andreeva completed her coming-of-age story with a maiden French Open women’s title, making it the wildest Grand Slam tournament in years.

–How it unfolded – key moments–

1. Set 1: Zverev blitzed Cobolli 6-1 in 32 minutes, using his serve + forehand to dominate.
2. Set 2: Cobolli adjusted, broke late and levelled 6-4 as Paris held its breath.
3. Set 3: Zverev’s experience showed. One break was enough for 6-4 and a 2-1 lead.
4. Set 4: Drama. Cobolli saved match points and won the tiebreak 7-5 to force a fifth.
5. Set 5: Zverev reset. He broke twice and closed 6-1 to end 89 years of German hurt.

–“I finally did it”–

Zverev sank to his knees after match point, covering his face before climbing into the stands to hug his team. “Four finals… I finally did it,” he told the crowd. “This one is for Germany.”