Sachin Tendulkar and Alexander Zverev
New Delhi: Alexander Zverev finally achieved the biggest achievement of his career by winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open. The German star defeated Flavio Copoli in a thrilling five-set final, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1, ending years of near failure on tennis’ biggest stages. After the victory was decided, Zverev collapsed on the clay courts, crying, and was affected by the moment after more than four hours of intense competition.
His victory also received praise from Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who wrote on“Credit to Flavio Copoli for the way he competed today as well.
“Both players gave everything for the match.”Zverev entered the tournament as one of the favorites, especially after several top competitors exited early. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner struggled and bowed out, while Novak Djokovic also crashed out of the tournament. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrew before the event due to injury.After losing in the previous three Grand Slam finals, including the 2024 French Open final and the 2020 US Open final after leading, Zverev made sure that history would not repeat itself.
The win was the 25th title of his professional career and placed him among a select group of players who have won their first major title in their fourth Grand Slam final.For Copoli, reaching the final was the best achievement of his career. The Italian had never progressed beyond the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam before this tournament and was hoping to become the first Italian men’s French Open champion since 1976.Although Zverev dominated early, Coppoli fought back and pushed the match to a deciding fifth set. However, the Italian appeared to run out of steam in the final stages, allowing Zverev to take control and secure the Grand Slam title he had sought for years.
