[Edaily Starin Reporter Lee Seok-moo] Alexander Zverev (29, Germany) has finally claimed the title at a Grand Slam tournament.

On the 8th (KST), Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli (24, Italy) with a set score of 3-2 (6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1) in the men’s singles final of the French Open held at the Philippe Chatrier Court at Roland Garros in Paris, France, to claim the title. This marks his first Grand Slam title, achieved after a grueling five-set match lasting over four hours.

Zverev had won 24 titles on the ATP Tour but had never won a Grand Slam title. He reached the finals of the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open, and the 2025 Australian Open, but fell short each time. With this victory, he has successfully shed the label of being a “major-less player.” The prize money for the title is 2.8 million euros (approximately 5 billion won).

Roland Garros had been a deeply painful venue for Zverev. In the 2022 semifinals of this tournament, he suffered a severe injury to his right ankle during a match against Rafael Nadal (Spain) and was carried off the court in a wheelchair. In last year’s final, he led Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) 2-1 in sets but ultimately lost in a comeback.

This was his fourth Grand Slam final. When Cobolli’s final shot went wide, Zverev lay face-down on the court, covering his face and shedding tears. “This court has given me both my hardest and happiest moments,” he said. “Those memories haven’t faded, but this victory has overcome it all.”

Zverev dominated the early stages of the match, taking the first set 6-1 to seize the initiative. However, Corvallet, making his Grand Slam final debut, did not back down easily. He won the second set to level the match. He also won the fourth set in a tiebreak, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set.

In the decisive fifth set, the difference in experience became apparent. Zverev regained control with his powerful serve and steady backhand. Meanwhile, Cobolli, suffering from fatigue and cramps, could no longer hold on. Zverev ultimately closed out the fifth set 6-1 to claim the championship trophy.

This tournament was a golden opportunity for Zverev. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner (Italy) was eliminated early, and Alcaraz did not participate due to a wrist injury. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) also exited the tournament early. Zverev did not let this open door slip away.

With this victory, Zverev claimed his 25th career tour title and joined the ranks of players like Andre Agassi (USA), Goran Ivanisevic (Croatia), and Dominic Thiem (Germany) who won their first major title on their fourth attempt.

Covoli, who was aiming to become the first Italian man to win the French Open singles title in 50 years, had to settle for runner-up. He said, “In the end, Zverev deserved to win more.”