Roland Garros Champion Alexander Zverev Won’t Care If He’s Called ‘Worst Player’ to Win Grand Slam Title

Alexander Zverev wouldn’t care at all about the labels the tennis world has given to him. Before Sunday (June 7), he was called the best player who had never won a Grand Slam title.

But he ended his Grand Slam curse after a five-set battle against Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final. With this title, Sascha has now won a Big Title in every category (Grand Slam, Olympics, ATP Finals, and Masters 1000s), becoming the fourth man in the history of tennis to achieve this after Andre Agassi, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic.

If you call me the worst player to win a Grand Slam, I could not care less right now. If somebody thinks that, that’s fine.

Alexander Zverev said at the press conference

Zverev also became the first German man since Boris Becker at the 1996 Australian Open to win a Grand Slam title. Had Cobolli defeated him, he would have become the third Italian man in the Open Era to lift a Major trophy after Adriano Panatta and Jannik Sinner.

Cobolli, who defeated Frances Tiafoe in the Mexican Open and lost to Ben Shelton in the Munich Open this year, reached his career-best No.10 ranking. The next Major is Wimbledon, where the 24-year-old produced his best when he made the quarterfinals last year.

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam where Zverev has never reached the quarterfinals. Also, both Cobolli and Zverev have yet to win a title on grass, with the latter reaching the final on this surface three times, last progressing to the stage at the 2025 Stuttgart Open, losing the match to Taylor Fritz.

Novak Djokovic reacts to Alexander Zverev’s win

Many thought Novak Djokovic had the golden opportunity to end his Grand Slam title drought after Carlos Alcaraz‘s withdrawal due to a wrist injury and Jannik Sinner‘s five-set defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. But the Serb, the day after the Italian’s exit, crashed out.

Joao Fonseca overcame a two-set deficit to eliminate Djokovic, registering the biggest win of his career. A day after Zverev’s win, Djokovic took to Instagram and shared a heartwarming post for the 2026 Roland Garros champion.

Sasha, I have known you since you were 10 years old. You were battling on the practice courts with my youngest brother while I was competing against your older brother, Mischa, on the big stage in both junior and pro circuit. I’ve nurtured a respectful and friendly relationship with your entire family for many years. We had countless conversations on tennis tactics, strategic plays, life, family, business.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Nole also played a Grand Slam final this year. After beating Sinner in the semifinals, Djokovic lost the Australian Open final to Alcaraz.

We had fun time on and off the court. Knowing what you had to endure with your illness since the young age, overcoming the greatest mental hurdle within yourself and shutting down critics who thought you would never win GS, makes this Grand Slam win even more special and memorable. Seeing the tears of joy you had together with your parents, brother and other team members made me emotional.

Novak Djokovic added

Zverev ended Djokovic, Sinner, and Alcaraz’s Grand Slam dominance. Since Rafael Nadal‘s historic 14th French Open win in 2022, only Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner claimed the Majors until this Roland Garros.

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A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)

Alcaraz, due to his wrist injury, will also be skipping Wimbledon, where Sinner will play as the defending champion. The World No.1 defeated the Spaniard in the final last year. Djokovic lost the finals in 2023 and 2024 to Alcaraz.

Also read: Serena Williams Reveals the Biggest Reason Behind her Comeback to Professional Tennis