Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli will meet in the french open final on Sunday, with a first Grand Slam title at stake for each man. Zverev has also reached the final carrying the pressure of three previous Grand Slam final losses, including the Roland Garros title match two years ago.
Zverev and Cobolli in Paris
Zverev is the second seed at Roland Garros. Cobolli is the Italian 10th seed, and he arrives after a semifinal walkover when Matteo Arnaldi withdrew because of a virus.
That route gives the final an unusual edge. Cobolli had not played a competitive match since Wednesday, while Zverev comes in after another deep run at a major and another chance to end the run that has kept him from a first Slam crown.
Clay Season Split
The two have already split their clay meetings this season. Cobolli beat Zverev in Munich, then Zverev beat Cobolli in Madrid, setting up a third match between them on the surface this year.
Their connection goes beyond the scoreline. They became friends as teammates at the 2024 Laver Cup, Zverev has described the bond as natural, and Cobolli says they enjoy talking about movies.
Their fathers are also their coaches and are friendly, which has made the relationship between the players unusual for a final of this size. Even so, Zverev said the competition will take over when they step on court.
Zverev's Grand Slam Pressure
“When you play a Grand Slam final, it's not that difficult [to put friendship aside] because it means you reached the best stage in tennis,” Zverev said ahead of the match. “You still try to beat each other and you still try to win, but that's OK.”
He also said, “He's a great player, a great guy” and, “I like him. I like his dad a lot. They are very good people. It's his first final, so I'm happy for him that he reached it.”
Cobolli said after his semifinal walkover, “I will be ready but I also know that I will be fresh. Maybe [not playing] helped, maybe not. I will tell you after the final.” The winner leaves Paris with a first Grand Slam title, and one of them will finally break through on Sunday.
