French Open 2026: Alexander Zverev has ‘best and worst moments’ of his life on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Zverev has been called the greatest player of all time to never win a Grand Slam – including three losses in major finals.

In the year At the 2020 US Open, he lost in the final despite playing two matches against Dominic Thiem and serving in the final 5–3 for the championship.

Zverev then led Carlos Alcaraz to two games to one in the 2024 French Open final, but it was the Spaniard who lifted his first Coupe des Mousquetaires.

In the year At the 2025 Australian Open, he was singled out by a ruthless performance by Jannik Siner, which left Zverev feeling mentally “empty” after a few months.

“Last year was one of the most difficult times in my tennis life,” Zverev said.

“This is one of the happiest times of the year, now it’s a very different feeling.”

The pressure of the Grand Slam final looked set to be exposed for a fourth time when the 24-year-old Kobolli, who has fought back twice from the tournament, forced a fifth-set decision.

But Zverev, who has struggled with his emotions on court in the past, held his breath to end his major final curse.

After falling on his back in celebration, Zverev dedicated the win to his team, including his father and brother.

“We’ve been through injuries, heartbreaks, losses. Sometimes we’ve been losers in the most important moments,” Zverev said.

“At the end of the day we are now the Grand Slam champions and that’s all that matters.

“I left this court with an injury that I never knew I would get back. All these memories are not gone,” he said.

“They’re still with me, but this beats them all.”