Flavio Cobolli’s shocking message to Alexander Zverev after Roland Garros loss

Alexander Zverev has finally done it – he’s a Grand Slam champion.

In a physically draining clash on Court Philippe Chatrier, it was Zverev who held his nerve to come through in five sets.

Zverev, visibly struggling at times throughout the contest, came away with a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 win to claim his first major title.

The tears that followed were hard-earned. This wasn’t just another big match for Zverev – it was the one he’d been waiting for.

That emotion carried over into his post-match speech as well.

Flavio Cobolli sends praise to Alexander Zverev after the Roland Garros final

“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!”

After losing in such a tight contest, Cobolli had one simple request for his coaching staff.

“I just want to ask you one thing because it was an incredible week and an incredible run,” he said. “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.”

Cobolli played well throughout the match and really tested Zverev on Court Philippe Chatrier. Although he didn’t win, Cobolli gave it everything against Zverev and should be proud of how hard he fought, even if he didn’t come out on top.

“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.”

Alexander Zverev sets a new ATP record

Alexander Zverev has notched up his 125th win in Grand Slam men’s singles matches, according to OptaAce.

No one in the Open Era has reached more victories on their way to a first major title. The next closest is Goran Ivanisevic, who earned his 105th win when he finally broke through at Wimbledon in 2001.

Zverev won’t have long to celebrate. The grass-court season is already getting underway, with the Halle Open starting on June 15.

It’s a surface where Zverev hasn’t always looked comfortable, but he’ll hope this year brings different results as he heads into Halle to get his preparations started.

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