Alexander Zverev is a Grand Slam champion.
In what was a brutally intense affair on Court Philippe Chatrier, it was the German who emerged victorious in five sets.
Zverev, who struggled physically during periods of the contest, defeated Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 to win his first major title.
How many more Grand Slams does Alexander Zverev win now?
What a final!
The German star was in tears upon winning the match – an understandable reaction after many previous near misses on the Grand Slam stage.
This emotion continued into the post-match speeches.
Flavio Cobolli congratulates Alexander Zverev on winning Roland Garros
“It’s not easy for me to talk right now,” Cobolli admitted during the post-match ceremony. “But I want to start with Alex.
“If someone asked me who deserved more this title, I always said you.
“It’s been an honour for our relationship to share the court with you today.
“I am happy for you, but I am also sad because I was close and I feel it.
“So now that you have achieved your dream, let me win the next time!” the Italian joked.
The Italian then turned to his coaching team, requesting just one thing from them following the heartbreaking loss.
“I just want to ask you one thing because it was an incredible week and an incredible run,” said Cobolli.
“I want to see all the smiles from you guys, because it has been fantastic to be here with you and it’s always a privilege to work with you.”
It was a superb performance from the Italian, who pushed the world number three to the brink on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Cobolli should be more than proud of the way he battled against Zverev – he fought tooth and nail for the title, but ultimately came up just short.
“I want to finish with myself,” the Italian concluded. “I started to play tennis when I was young and I never expected this kind of result.
“Now that I am here I just want to make it possible to do something special.
“For me it’s not done, it’s only the start. I am still young so I just want to enjoy every moment that I spend on court with my smile.”
With the talent that Cobolli possesses, one can expect to see the Italian feature in the latter stages of Grand Slam events for many years to come.
However, this day belonged to Alexander Zverev, who has finally leapt over the Grand Slam hurdle.
Alexander Zverev sets a new ATP record
As per OptaAce, Alexander Zverev has claimed a 125th career Men’s Singles match win at Grand Slam events.
This total now represents the most of any player in the Open Era en route to a maiden Grand Slam title.
The closest rival to Zverev’s record-setting total is Goran Ivanisevic, who won 105th Grand Slam match upon clinching his one and only major title at the 2001 Wimbledon Championships.
Most Grand Slam match wins to win a first major title
- Alexander Zverev – 125
- Goran Ivanisevic – 105
- Andy Murray – 100
- Stan Wawrinka – 75
- Dominic Thiem – 67
Zverev will now turn his attention towards the grass-court season, which is set to begin this week.
The German, who has historically struggled on grass courts, will begin his grass-court campaign at the Halle Open, which begins on June 15.
