Zverev reveals plan after first Grand Slam title

Alexander Zverev has indicated he plans to stay in tennis for years to come after winning the first Grand Slam title of his career at Roland Garros in Paris.

The German beat Flavio Cobolli in the 2026 final, ending a long wait for a major trophy after three previous defeats in Grand Slam finals.

Zverev has since made clear that the breakthrough has not brought him closer to retirement. Instead, he has said he wants to keep playing for another decade, with the world No. 1 ranking still missing from his record.

Zverev says Roland Garros has not changed his motivation

Zverev’s first major title came at Roland Garros, where he beat Flavio Cobolli to win the trophy.

The final went the distance, with Zverev coming through 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1.

It was a major moment for a player who had often carried the label of one of the best in tennis without a Grand Slam title.

Those questions were strengthened by his three previous defeats in major finals, but the victory in Paris changed that part of his career record.

Zverev’s own comments suggest the title has not reduced his appetite for the daily work behind top-level tennis.

Speaking after his Roland Garros win, Zverev said he still enjoys training and would keep putting in the work even after reaching that milestone.

He added: “I want to keep playing for another ten years.”

Zverev is 29, meaning that plan would take him close to 39 if his body, form and schedule allow him to continue at the top level.

World No. 1 is now the clear target left for Zverev

Zverev’s comments also explain why retirement is not the immediate subject for him. The Grand Slam question has been answered, but the ranking question remains.

He said he has already achieved his Grand Slam goal, but added that the only thing he is missing is becoming world No. 1, even if only for a week.

Zverev is the current world No. 3. His career-high ranking is world No. 2, and he has never held the top position.

That gives his ten-year remark a clear context. It was not only a broad statement about longevity, but a sign that he still sees a specific target ahead.

Zverev has already built one of the strongest records of his generation. He has won 25 ATP singles titles, claimed Olympic gold, and now added a Grand Slam title.

The missing No. 1 ranking is therefore a precise ambition. It is also a difficult one in an ATP field that still includes Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.

Zverev’s first major title has changed how his career will be viewed. His latest comments suggest it has not changed how long he wants that career to last.

For now, his retirement plan is straightforward. He wants another decade, and the next stage of his career is built around whether he can add the one major ranking achievement still absent from his record.

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