Alexander Zverev won his first Grand Slam title at the 2026 French Open after defeating Flavio Cobolli in a five-set match that lasted over four hours, according to CNN and Front Office Sports. Zverev, who had lost three previous Grand Slam finals, finally secured victory with a final score of 6:1, 4:6, 6:4, 6:7 (5:7), 6:1. After the final point. Zverev dropped to the clay court. Covered his face with his hands, and sobbed before celebrating with a roar and raising his arms in triumph.

Overcoming Past Setbacks

Zverev spoke about his emotional journey on the French Open court, noting that he had experienced both the best and worst moments of his life there. He referenced a 2022 semifinal match in which he was injured and pushed off the court in a wheelchair by Rafael Nadal. “I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago but now finally it’s a happy end,” Zverev said, according to CNN.

He had previously lost Grand Slam finals in 2020, 2024, and 2025. In the 2020 U.S. Open, Zverev led two sets to none against Dominic Thiem but ultimately lost. In the 2024 French Open, he led two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz but was defeated. In the 2025 Australian Open, he lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, according to Front Office Sports and Fox News.

Avoiding Top Rivals

Zverev’s path to the title was aided by the absence of top rivals. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner struggled in the early rounds, losing a two-set and 5–1 lead in the second round against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Alcaraz, the two-time reigning champion, withdrew before the tournament due to an injured right wrist. 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated in the first week, according to CNN and Front Office Sports.

Zverev’s victory puts him in an elite group of players who captured their first major in their fourth final. This group includes Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic, and Dominic Thiem. Zverev also earned $3.27 million (€2.8 million) with the win, bringing his career earnings to about $65.85 million. With this win, he is expected to jump from No. 7 to No. 4 in career earnings, surpassing Sinner, Alcaraz, and Andy Murray, according to Front Office Sports.

Personal and Professional Challenges

He has been accused of physical and emotional abuse by multiple former partners. Zverev’s personal life has been marked by controversy. In 2023, the ATP decided not to penalize Zverev due to insufficient evidence, according to Front Office Sports. A few months later, another partner filed a lawsuit in Germany, which was settled out of court in 2024. Zverev has denied all allegations, and a German court dismissed the case after reaching an agreement without a verdict or admission of guilt, according to Fox News.

Despite these challenges, Zverev’s girlfriend, Sophia Thomalla, celebrated his win on social media. Though unable to attend the tournament due to her own career commitments, Thomalla posted on Instagram: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try and try again 💪” and “Er hat es!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” according to Sports Illustrated. Thomalla and Zverev have been together since 2021, and she plans to take a private jet to France to celebrate with him before returning to Germany.