Alexander Zverev finally captured an elusive Grand Slam title at this year’s French Open.
Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli in the Roland Garros final, becoming the first German to win a men’s singles major crown since Boris Becker in 1996.
Which loss was more surprising, Aryna Sabalenka or Jannik Sinner?
Sinner lost in R2, Sabalenka in the QF…
The world number three became the overwhelming favourite to win the tournament after the early exits of both Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.
Despite having a fairly straightforward route to the title, Zverev did not crumble under the pressure and ultimately got his hands on the trophy.
Now, seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander thinks the 29-year-old could go on to win a few more majors.
Mats Wilander discusses Alexander Zverev’s chances at majors
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Wilander said: “Many people thought he wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure yet again, especially when he became the favourite following the exits of Sinner and Djokovic.
“Instead, this time he managed to turn that tension into positive energy; he motivated himself by thinking he finally had the chance of a lifetime, and played better and better as the tournament progressed and he faced tough opponents like [Rafael] Jodar and [Jacob] Mensik.
“And ultimately, he managed his emotions better in the final too. In my opinion, he’ll play more relaxed; he’s lifted a huge weight off his shoulders.
Prove me wrong – Alexander Zverev will win multiple Grand Slam titles now
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“I think that if we were looking for a third contender between Sinner and Alcaraz, we’ve finally found him.
“Jannik and Carlos won’t be able to rest easy anymore; in my view, Sascha will get very close to their level.”
Mats Wilander said Flavio Cobolli surprised him
Despite Sinner’s exit, Italy had three quarterfinalists at Roland Garros: Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi and Cobolli.
Wilander said of the countrymen: “You’re experiencing an incredible moment, which reminds me a bit of my Sweden in the early ’80s, when, inspired by Borg, a great generation of players emerged.
“Except your movement seems more solid; you have top-level players who can win on all surfaces.
“Cobolli surprised me, but he played exceptionally well: right now on clay he’s as good as the best, but let’s not forget that last year he reached the quarterfinals on grass at Wimbledon.
“I felt sorry for Berrettini; I was rooting for him a little; he deserved to fight for another title.”
Berrettini was forced to retire in the second set of his last-eight clash with Arnaldi due to injury.
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