2026 French Open Men's Final: Zverev vs. Cobolli

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yeah.. I hear ya.. I am definitely look forward to seeing Serena even if she decides to not play singles or if she is only able to last a couple of rounds. My guys Fils and Rune are iffy coming back from injuries.. Probably Sinner will return to form to win the title and hopefully someone knocks out Novak early.

I just read a comment from Serena and she said coming back and playing a couple of doubles tournaments was the way to go after a long break, good point
Rune is still a question mark he sustained a small knee injury again, he has had a very bad injury, usually it takes 9 to 12 months of rehab before playing again, he wants to come back to the grass? let see
Hopefully Fils can manage these injuries, too good of a player and his game translates to all surfaces

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

with all of these injured players which was evident at RG.. I would not favor any player.. Men's tennis is not in a good place at this moment.

At least, now you have many cohorts that can be competitive. Not only the Sinner/Alcaraz cohort, but you now have a younger cohort in Fonseca/Jodar/Mensik that look like they will challenge.

That's a much better place than in the late 2010s, when the Big 3 were still dominating at over 30 (Roger over 35), and there was no real challenger to their throne.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

At least, now you have many cohorts that can be competitive. Not only the Sinner/Alcaraz cohort, but you now have a younger cohort in Fonseca/Jodar/Mensik that look like they will challenge.

That's a much better place than in the late 2010s, when the Big 3 were still dominating at over 30 (Roger over 35), and there was no real challenger to their throne.

These youngsters still have a way to go before they can challenge seriously, its about being Consistent at the moment that is what needed, until they do, there still isnt a lot players to challenge the Top seeds

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Good news for Flavio he has made the Top Ten! when the new rankings come out
AP,
See Panatta an Italian still has long hair, though it is a tad grey he handed out the winning trophies

 

[the AntiPusher]

At least, now you have many cohorts that can be competitive. Not only the Sinner/Alcaraz cohort, but you now have a younger cohort in Fonseca/Jodar/Mensik that look like they will challenge.

That's a much better place than in the late 2010s, when the Big 3 were still dominating at over 30 (Roger over 35), and there was no real challenger to their throne.

I disagree.. the YNs have a long way to go.. this RG was a bit of flux not a premonition of what to come later this year.. 3 years from now maybe but not late 2026

 

[the AntiPusher]

Good news for Flavio he has made the Top Ten! when the new rankings come out
AP,
See Panatta an Italian still has long hair, though it is a tad grey he handed out the winning trophies

If an ole dude like Panatta can pull someone like Brad Pitt's new girlfriend than its all good.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

If an ole dude like Panatta can pull someone like Brad Pitt's new girlfriend than its all good.

Panatta has more hair than Brad just saying

 

[Murat B.]

Not having watched a point yet, congrats to Zverev. He sure waited a long time for this one. When it is all said and done, no one will remember or care how wacky this RG was and his name will still be on the trophy.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Well my favorite GS comes to a tearful close sad to say
Onto the 'cow season and other barn yard animals"
Wimbledon not the same surface since my tennis idol played at Wimbledon' Borg
Still I prefer natural surfaces to those horrid hard court surfaces

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Not having watched a point yet, congrats to Zverev. He sure waited a long time for this one. When it is all said and done, no one will remember or care how wacky this RG was and his name will still be on the trophy.

Sorry Murat I do and will remember RG 2026 as the Whackiest RG ever! I am still in let down mode Meh! anyway onto the grass season, that cannot be as Whacky surely

 

[britbox]

Congrats Sascha, it's been a long time coming.

 

[britbox]

Trophy Ceremony and Speeches\

 

[El Dude]

Here's an interesting comp....

Now clearly the first player has a better career resume than the latter, especially considering that the first isn't done. But it is worth putting this into context...Zverev, by winning that Slam, hasn't just cast off the "best Slamless player" role, he's leap-frogged a bunch of single Slam winners. Ivanisevic isn't a weak single Slam winner - he's among the better half dozen or so. Who is better? Well, accoring to UTS's GOAT points, only Roddick, Chang, and Medvedev.

I'd say his Slam gives him the edge over Medvedev, too. What about Chang and Roddick? Close call, but I think if Zverev doesn't win anymore, he's going to end up as the best single-Slam winner.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Here's an interesting comp....
View attachment 10816
View attachment 10817

Now clearly the first player has a better career resume than the latter, especially considering that the first isn't done. But it is worth putting this into context...Zverev, by winning that Slam, hasn't just cast off the "best Slamless player" role, he's leap-frogged a bunch of single Slam winners. Ivanisevic isn't a weak single Slam winner - he's among the better half dozen or so. Who is better? Well, accoring to UTS's GOAT points, only Roddick, Chang, and Medvedev.

I'd say his Slam gives him the edge over Medvedev, too. What about Chang and Roddick? Close call, but I think if Zverev doesn't win anymore, he's going to end up as the best single-Slam winner.

Wow.. I would have still pic Daniil’s game as being more potent as Sascha game. Good info

 

[britbox]

Flavio Press Conference



Leo AI Summary

• Reaction to the Loss: Cobolli expressed pride in his performance, admitting he never expected to reach a Grand Slam final. He congratulated Zverev, stating the German veteran deserved the title more due to his 10-year consistency on tour and career achievements.
• Physical Struggles: The Italian player revealed he suffered severe cramps starting in the first-set tiebreak. By the fifth set, both his calf and quad muscles had given out, leaving him physically unable to compete at the same level.
• Mindset in the Decider: Despite the pain, Cobolli noted he felt Zverev was fresher in the final set. He acknowledged feeling more pressure than his opponent but remained proud of how he handled the stage for his first major final.
• Key Moments: When asked about a critical fourth-set tiebreak where he missed a volley but hit a spectacular forehand, Cobolli joked that he "just closed his eyes" on both points due to fatigue and instinct.
• Zverev's Condition: Cobolli noted that Zverev also appeared tired and slower, particularly during a medical timeout in the fourth set, but believed the experienced German managed his energy and the crucial points better.
• Future Outlook: At a young age, Cobolli is committed to working hard and enjoying his journey. He believes that if he maintains this balance, he has a strong chance of returning to Grand Slam finals, though he avoids predicting exactly when.

 

[britbox]

Sascha Zverev Press Conference



Leo AI Summary

• Overcoming Physical and Mental Struggles: Zverev admitted to suffering from severe cramping in the fourth set, which he described as a mix of physical tightening and mental instability. Ironically, he felt the cramps helped him win because they forced him to "let go" of his tension and emotional burden, allowing him to play more freely in the decisive fifth set.
• Rebuilding Belief: Reflecting on a difficult period last year (including an intense post-match press conference at Wimbledon where he felt "empty"), Zverev noted that winning this trophy has completely restored his self-belief. He stated that last year was one of the hardest of his career, while this year is one of the happiest.
• Historic Significance for Germany: He highlighted the importance of being the first German male player to ever win the Roland Garros title, joining the legacy of German legend Steffi Graf. He joked about being "a little bit drunk" and happy to sit next to the trophy.
• Freedom from Pressure: Zverev explained that winning a Grand Slam removes a heavy burden. Even if he loses future finals, he will always be a Grand Slam champion, which gives him a sense of calm and freedom he didn't have before.
• The Moment of Victory: When he fell to the court after winning, he initially didn't believe it was real. The realization hit him when he saw his team and father celebrating. He described the court as having special meaning due to past injuries and a previous final loss, but this victory now overshadows all those negative memories.
• Key to Success: He credited his serve as the most important shot of the tournament, noting he had worked extensively on it after losing the 2020 US Open final due to serving errors. On clay, he emphasized that accuracy was more vital than speed.
• Dedication: Zverev dedicated the win to his entire team, including his physical trainer and coaches, whom he has worked with for over 12 years, calling it a collective "family effort."

 

[britbox]

Behind the scenes:

 

[britbox]

I know Sascha isn't the most popular player around but it's always nice to see somebody achieve their dreams.

 

[britbox]

Here's an interesting comp....
View attachment 10816
View attachment 10817

Now clearly the first player has a better career resume than the latter, especially considering that the first isn't done. But it is worth putting this into context...Zverev, by winning that Slam, hasn't just cast off the "best Slamless player" role, he's leap-frogged a bunch of single Slam winners. Ivanisevic isn't a weak single Slam winner - he's among the better half dozen or so. Who is better? Well, accoring to UTS's GOAT points, only Roddick, Chang, and Medvedev.

I'd say his Slam gives him the edge over Medvedev, too. What about Chang and Roddick? Close call, but I think if Zverev doesn't win anymore, he's going to end up as the best single-Slam winner.

Interesting comparison. Who came top out of that bunch? Chang?

 

[El Dude]

Interesting comparison. Who came top out of that bunch? Chang?

I'll look into it. UTS hasn't updated their site in a year and a half, but I will eyeball their numbers for Sascha and Daniil. I don't love GOAT points because it weighs career longevity over peak level, but here you go:

Single Slam Winners By GOAT Points:

1. Alexander Zverev 180 (estimated through 2026 RG; 148 through 2024)
2. Andy Roddick 169
3. Daniil Medvedev 157 (estimated; 147 through 2024)
4. Michael Chang 153
5. Goran Ivanisevic 125
6. Thomas Muster 123
7. Vitas Gerulaitis 120
8. Juan Martin Del Potro 111
9. Manuel Orantes 107
10. Michael Stich 104
11. Juan Carlos Ferrero 99
12. Carlos Moya 93
13. Yannick Noah 87
14. Roscoe Tanner 81
15. Dominic Thiem 81
16. Richard Krajicek 74
17. Marin Cilic 73
18. Andres Gomez 56
19. Petr Korda 56
20. Andres Gimeno 45
21. Albert Costa 43
22. Adriano Panatta 39
23. Pat Cash 39
24. Gaston Gaudio 29
25. Thomas Johansson 25
26. Mark Edmondson 24
27. Brian Teacher 23

I may create my own system, but that works well enough and anything I come up with won't be that different. So as I suggested, Zverev has jumped from best Slamless player to best single-Slam winner. 180 would also tie him for 22nd with Lleyton Hewitt (with Alcaraz and SInner passing Hewitt since the 2024 list), and ahead of guys like Kuerten, Safin, Courier, Smith, Wawrinka, Kafelnikov, Kodes, etc.