Alexander Zverev won the Roland-Garros 2026 men’s final against Flavio Cobolli and lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires after a long wait for a first Grand Slam title. In his victory speech, Zverev described liberation from injuries and defeats as the path to becoming a major champion.
The 29-year-old said he had broken seven ligaments in his ankle, lost a final before this one, and finally stood as a Grand Slam champion. Cobolli, 16, called the match the best Grand Slam of his career and said he was not far from the title.
Zverev’s victory speech
Zverev used his speech to put the win in personal terms. “Bravo Flavio, tu as vécu deux semaines incroyables ici et tu as si bien joué... Tu es un finaliste de Grand Chelem et je te souhaite de soulever un tel trophée très bientôt.”
He then described the road to the title with a direct line from injury to reward: “Je me je me suis rompu 7 ligaments à la cheville, j’ai perdu une finale et désormais je remporte ce trophée.” He added: “On a tout vécu, les blessures, les défaites, les catastrophes mais aujourd’hui, nous sommes champions de Grand Chelem et c’est le principal !”
Cobolli’s near miss
Cobolli answered with a runner-up speech that mixed disappointment and encouragement. “Je suis très heureux pour toi, même si je suis aussi très triste.” He also said: “Je n’étais pas loin, je l’ai senti mais maintenant que tu as achevé ton rêve, laisse-moi gagner la prochaine fois !”
The Italian called the tournament exceptional and thanked the organization, his supporters and Adriano Panatta, who was present at the final. That made the defeat sharper, because Cobolli said this was the best Grand Slam of his career even as he came away one step short of the trophy.
Roland-Garros final replay
Roland-Garros 2026 published the match replay of the men’s final between Cobolli and Zverev, extending the life of a final that already carried enough weight on court. For Zverev, the win closes a long sequence of injuries and setbacks with a first major title and the Coupe des Mousquetaires in hand.
For Cobolli, the next step is simpler: keep the level he showed in Paris and turn a final appearance into a future title chance. Zverev’s speech left no doubt about what changed for him at Roland-Garros 2026 — he is now a Grand Slam champion.
