Flavio Cobolli is making remarkable progress in 2026, the clearest evidence of which is his convincing victories at Roland Garros this year. Despite a less-than-convincing start to the year, being eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open , the Italian has made significant progress to reach his first Grand Slam final . Before the final, Cobolli had the advantage of more rest time due to his semi-final opponent withdrawing due to health issues. However, in terms of head -to-head record , Zverev has a better record with 3 wins in 4 encounters. Nevertheless, considering only the year 2026, the record is tied 1-1, with Cobolli defeating Zverev in Munich and then losing to him in Madrid . With his aggressive attacking style and relaxed mindset , the 24-year-old Italian is ready to create the biggest surprise of his career. And he has the greatest opportunity ever to win his first prestigious Grand Slam title.
For German tennis player Alexander Zverev, this final holds immense significance . In his career, the world number 3 has reached three Grand Slam finals ( US Open 2020, Australian Open 2025, and French Open 2024), but has suffered bitter defeats each time. Perhaps the saying "third time's the charm" will apply to the German player in this match, as this is Zverev's fourth chance to win a Grand Slam title , especially since his opponent is neither Alcaraz nor Sinner. And, like his opponent in the final, Cobolli, a victory would also mark Zverev's first Grand Slam title , promising an extremely exciting match. Currently, Zverev is in excellent form at Roland Garros, having only lost two sets on his way to the final. Notably, Philippe-Chatrier court is where he suffered a very serious ankle injury in 2022. Therefore, if he can win the pendulum tonight, it would be a sweet ending to the German player's perseverance.
With both players determined to win their first Grand Slam , the 2026 Roland Garros final can be said to be an extremely special match , because whichever Zverev or Cobolli wins the final will welcome a completely new Grand Slam champion. Starting very well, Zverev broke Cobolli's serve in the first set. The German player continued to break in the 5th and 7th games, comfortably finishing the first set with a 6-1 score. The second set was more balanced, and the turning point came in the 7th set when Cobolli unexpectedly broke Zverev's serve. Cobolli continued to play proactively in the crucial game to take a 5-3 lead. Although Zverev narrowed the score to 5-4, he could not prevent Cobolli from winning the second set with a 6-4 score.
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The scenario from set 2 was repeated in set 3, and it was even more tense. With the score tied at 4-4, the world number 3's composure shone through. Zverev won two consecutive games to take the set 6-4. However, in set 4, Zverev lost his serve in the very first game. Cobolli maintained his break advantage until the tenth game. In this game, Zverev played exceptionally well to regain the break from Cobolli, leveling the score at 5-5. The fourth set had to be decided by a tie-break, which Cobolli won, forcing both players into a decisive fifth set. In this set, Zverev completely dominated the match, replicating the first set scenario with a dominant 6-1 victory.
With a final score of 3-2 against Cobolli, Zverev has etched his name into Roland Garros history as a new champion. Congratulations to the new king of Roland Garros 2026: Alexander Zverev .