"Now, no matter what happens, I will always be a Grand Slam champion, and no one can take that away from me," Zverev declared after defeating Flavio Cobolli in the Roland Garros final on 7/6. "Perhaps I will be more relaxed, my mind calmer if I play another final later, because even if I lose, I will still be a Grand Slam champion. This trophy is crucial; had I lost this match, my confidence would have dropped significantly. But now that I have won, I feel I can do it again."

Zverev had previously won the ATP Finals two times, claimed seven Masters 1000 titles, and secured an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. For a long time, the German player was considered one of the most successful on the ATP Tour, yet he had never won a Grand Slam. That changed at Roland Garros 2026, when Zverev defeated Cobolli to claim his first Grand Slam title.

Zverev celebrating his Roland Garros championship on Philippe Chatrier court, Paris, France, on 7/6. *Photo: Reuters*

"First, I didn't believe I had won," Zverev recounted the moment the final concluded. "Then I looked up at my team's box and saw everyone celebrating. That's when I realized I had won. Especially seeing my father raise both hands, that moment made me think: 'Okay, I really won'."

Zverev previously came close to glory at the 2020 US Open, leading Dominic Thiem by two sets and one break in the third, but ultimately losing in five sets. Two more Grand Slam final defeats left the German player still searching for his first major title. In Paris, glory no longer eluded Zverev.

"When I lay down on the court, all the emotions poured out, because this court is very special to me, in both positive and negative ways," Zverev added. "I experienced some of the most difficult moments of my career here. I once lay on this very court with an injury, unsure if I would ever play again. I also lost a Grand Slam final here. For me, those memories don't disappear; they remain. But this memory will surpass all of them."

The two events Zverev referenced occurred in 2022 and 2024. He lost to Rafael Nadal due to a severe injury in the Roland Garros semifinals four years prior, then to Carlos Alcaraz in the final two years later.

Reflecting on his career's biggest victory, Zverev paid tribute to his team. The world number three emphasized their crucial role throughout his journey, with his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., serving as his coach, and his brother Mischa Zverev, a former world number 25, also being a key team member.

"This is truly the result of my family's and the entire team's efforts," Zverev shared. "I have had the same team for at least 12 years, with the same fitness coach, and other coaches have been with me even longer. I believe everyone deserves recognition for this trophy."

Vy Anh