New Delhi:Alexander Zverev's moment has finally arrived as he ended his ever-lasting wait for a Grand Slam title with a win over Italy's Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final on Sunday, June 7. Zverev overturned the heartbreaks of the past to win the final in a thrilling five-set final at Roland Garros.
He was known as the best player never to win a Grand Slam and the tag stuck with him as he suffered so many heartbreaks. He was runner-up in three Grand Slam finals before his time came in Paris, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1.
Zverev fourth player to complete tournament titlesSince 1988, Zverev has become just the fourth player to have claimed tournament wins at all four ATP big titles, with wins at a Grand Slam, Masters 1000, ATP Tour Finals and Olympics. He becomes only the 4th player to reach the last 16 in his first four Grand Slam tournaments, joining Andre Agassi, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.
It took the German quite a long time to win his first Major. He lost in the 2020 US Open final, 2024 Roland Garros final and the 2025 Australian Open final but won a Major on his fourth final. That was his 125th Grand Slam men's singles career victory, the most by far in the Open Era.
Most Grand Slam match wins before taking first title:1 - Alexander Zverev - 125 wins
2 - Goran Ivanisevic - 105 match wins
3 - Andy Murray – 100 match wins
4 Stan Wawrinka: 75 match wins
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It took Zverev 41 main draws to win his first Grand SlamIt was Zverev's 41st Grand Slam main draw appearance, now second-most all-time in the Open Era. He is second only to Ivanisevic, who won his first Major in his 48th main draw. Wawrinka won in his 36th main draw, while Korda and Cilic won in their 34th and 29th main draw, respectively.
"I want to congratulate Flavio. Two weeks, unbelievable. Making it to your first grand slam final. I think to play like that in your first grand slam final is incredible, not many people do that. Congratulations to you," said Zverev after his first Grand Slam win. “I hope with all my heart that pretty soon you will have one of these trophies in your hand.
I want to congratulate the team as well. For me it is one of the nicest teams on tour. Papa, you’re one of the best people on tour. We always have good conversations. I always love being around you guys. You deserve it really in the future. I really believe you will get one. So congratulations also,” he added.
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