Mumbai: Alexander Zverev's long wait for a Grand Slam title finally came to an end as he defeated 10th-seeded Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 in the French Open final.
Zverev, 29, had been close to the finish line in the past but had not been able to cross it. However, this time, he held firm and delivered the champion's speech on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The German had a tough challenge in the final, as Cobolli had not competed since Wednesday and had received a walkover in the semi-final. However, Zverev was on song with his serving quality, dictating rhythm from the baseline and making Cobolli dance to his beat.
Cobolli put up a good fight, but Zverev's big serves and winners eventually took the upper hand. The German's body language reeked frustration at times, but he quickly reset and delivered a strong performance in the decider.
Zverev's win marked a historic moment for German male players at Roland Garros, as he became the first to win a Grand Slam title in the Open Era.
