World No. 3 Alexander Zverev paid an emotional tribute to the team that stood by him through years of injuries, heartbreak and painful defeats after winning his first Grand Slam title at the French Open on Sunday.

The German player defeated Flavio Coboli of Italy 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1. Their wait for a major title finally ended after losing the previous three Grand Slam finals on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Speaking during the trophy ceremony, Zverev reflected on the setbacks he and his team had endured throughout their careers together.

“We’ve been through a lot, from injuries, from heartbreaks, from losses,” an emotional Zverev said.

“We have been defeated in some moments, but now we are Grand Slam champions. That’s what matters.”

The win concluded a remarkable journey for the 29-year-old, who had spent years earning the tag of the best player never to win a Grand Slam.

Sunday’s victory also ended a 30-year wait for a German men’s singles major champion. No German had won a Grand Slam title since Boris Becker won the Australian Open trophy in 1996.

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Zverev now joins Becker, Michael Stich, Gottfried von Cramm and Heiner Henkel as Germany’s male Grand Slam champions.

Roland Garros has been the backdrop for some defining moments of Zverev’s career. In 2022, he suffered a serious ankle injury during the French Open semi-finals against Rafael Nadal and had to leave the court in a wheelchair. Two years later, he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland Garros final despite leading by two sets to one.

Those memories were still fresh as he stood with the Musketeers Cup in his hands.

“I’ve had the best moments of my life on these courts, and I’ve also had the worst moments of my life on these courts,” Zverev said.

“I was lying in that corner four years ago with seven torn ligaments and two broken bones. I lost a Grand Slam last year two years ago. But now, finally, it’s a happy ending.”

The German came very close to the major title on several occasions. He served for the US Open title against Dominic Thiem in 2020 before losing in five sets. He then faced a five-set defeat to Alcaraz in the final of the French Open and was defeated by Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the final of the Australian Open last year.

After finally succeeding, Zverev thanked the team that stuck with him through every setback.

The German joked that he could neither get rid of his father, who has trained him throughout his career, nor his brother Misha. He also thanked his physical trainer, who has been working with him since 2014.

“I probably have the longest tenured team and coach on tour,” he said.

Zverev also had warm words for Koboli, whose success in Paris fell one match short of a first Grand Slam title.

“I hope with all my heart that you will lift this trophy soon,” Zverev told the Italian.

“You’re one of the nicest guys on the tour.”

Koboli, who was playing in his first Grand Slam final, congratulated Zverev while finding the loss difficult to accept.

“I’m happy for you but I’m also sad because I was close and now I think you’ve achieved your dream, next time let me win,” said the Italian before compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win Roland Garros in 1976, handed the trophy to Zverev.

Despite the defeat, Koboli reflected on that fortnight as the most memorable of his career.

“This has been the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV, not Adriano because I wasn’t born, but it’s a privilege and an honor to have you here. I felt a little pressure on my side, it’s always difficult to play in front of you.”

The Italian also thanked the supporters who cheered him on throughout the tournament.

He said, “I want to say thank you to the blue wall behind me. I can’t look at you or I’ll cry.”

“I just want to ask you one thing: so I want to see you guys smile because it’s been great being with you. Thank you for coming. My mom is still alive so I’m happy.”

However, for Zverev the day marked the achievement he had been chasing for more than a decade.

After years of near-misses, injuries and final defeats, he finally left Roland Garros as a Grand Slam champion.

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