Alexander Zverev wins the French Open to finally earn a 1st Grand Slam title

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Sports Alexander Zverev wins the French Open to finally earn a 1st Grand Slam title June 7, 20262:21 PM ET By The Associated Press Alexander Zverev of Germany reacts after winning the men's final match against Flavio Cobolli of Italy at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Sunday, June 7, 2026. Aurelien Morissard/AP hide caption toggle caption Aurelien Morissard/AP PARIS (AP) — Alexander Zverev is no longer one of the best players never to win a major title. He's finally a Grand Slam champion.

In his fourth major final, Zverev beat Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 for the French Open title on Sunday. It was a unique opportunity for Zverev without Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz across the net and the third-ranked German took full advantage on the red clay of Roland Garros. When Cobolli missed an overhead on the second championship point after more than four hours of the five-set encounter, Zverev dropped on his back to the clay and covered his face with his hands as he began sobbing.

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When he got up, with his shirt and arms covered in clay, Zverev put his hands back on his face before he lifted both arms in celebration. Sponsor Message Zverev has now joined an elite group of players that captured their first major in their fourth final: Eight-time major champion Andre Agassi, 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic and 2020 U. Open champion Dominic Thiem.

No Sinner or Alcaraz Zverev had been an overwhelming favorite for the title ever since the top-ranked Sinner struggled in the first week's heat wave and wasted a two set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. A day later, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated. Alcaraz, the two-time reigning champion, withdrew before the tournament with an injured right wrist.

It was Zverev's second French Open final, having wasted a lead of two sets to one against Alcaraz in the 2024 championship match. Zverev had an even bigger advantage — two sets to none — in the 2020 U. Open final and lost that one, too, to Thiem.

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He was also beaten in straight sets by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final. It was the 25th title of Zverev's career. Cobolli's 1st Slam final The 14th-ranked Cobolli had never been past a Grand Slam quarterfinal until this week.

He was attempting to become the first Italian man to raise the singles trophy at Roland Garros since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago. Sponsor Message Cobolli comes from the same tennis club in Rome as Panatta did and Panatta was asked by tournament organizers to present the Coupe des Mousquetaires to the champion to celebrate the anniversary of his 1976 triumph. The honors, however, were going to Zverev.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva won the women's singles trophy on Saturday. Zverev took control early on The match was played in perfect conditions and Zverev's game was almost flawless at the start.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.