Alexander Zverev has just joined the exclusive group of Roland Garros champions after claiming his first Grand Slam title in Paris.
Zverev battled past Flavio Cobolli in a five-set thriller in the French capital, where he won 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5-7), 6-1.
The German, who was the second seed at the clay-court Grand Slam, needed four hours and 16 minutes to defeat 10th seed Cobolli.
And after losing three finals earlier in his career, ATP number three Zverev is now a Grand Slam champion at the age of 29.
The new Roland Garros champion follows in the footsteps of other icons to have won the prestigious tournament, most notably Rafael Nadal, who has just messaged Zverev on social media after his win.
Prove me wrong – Alexander Zverev will win multiple Grand Slam titles now
He's finally got his first!
Rafael Nadal congratulates Alexander Zverev on Roland Garros title
Nadal, who won a record 14 Roland Garros titles during his phenomenal career, wrote on X: “Congratulations, [Alexander Zverev] on winning [Roland Garros]!
“So well deserved after all the hard work and perseverance.
“You’ve been chasing your first Grand Slam for a long time, and you absolutely deserve it!
“And congratulations to Flavio as well for a fantastic tournament!”
Nadal certainly isn’t the only sporting icon to be delighted for Zverev, with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also sharing a message for the champion.
“Sometimes tennis can take a long time to give back what players keep putting in,” he wrote on X.
“Good to see Alexander Zverev win his first Grand Slam at Roland-Garros today.
“Always felt he was a special player!
“Credit to Flavio Cobolli for the way he competed today as well.
“Both players gave everything to the game.”
Rod Laver and Billie Jean King react to Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros win
It was indeed a fantastic showcase for the sport, with Zverev and Cobolli both giving their all on Philippe Chatrier, much to the delight of those watching on.
And the messages of support have continued from two of the biggest legends in tennis.
Rod Laver congratulated Mirra Andreeva on her Roland Garros women’s title, and he’s now done the same for the men’s singles winner.
“Roland Garros finishes with a great final between two players who gave everything out there,” Laver wrote on X.
“Well done Alexander Zverev, a deserving champion.
“Flavio Cobolli showed real fight throughout the match and will surely have his moment soon enough.
“Good luck to both on the grass!”
And iconic figure Billie Jean King posted on X: “Congratulations to [Alexander Zverev] on his very first Grand Slam Singles title!
“He is also the first man with Type 1 Diabetes to win a major.
“What a victory for everyone living with this disease.”
She is certainly right to make such a point about the Roland Garros champion, who will have inspired many just like him with his brilliant run in Paris.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
