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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Flo Clifford and Will Castle

French Open final LIVE: Alexander Zverev ends grand slam hoodoo against Flavio Cobolli in lengthy five-setter

French Open latest scores and updates

  • Alexander Zverev beats Flavio Cobolli for the French Open title in five sets
  • Second seed Zverev claims first grand slam title having lost three finals
  • GAME, SET AND MATCH! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 1-6 Alexander Zverev
  • FOURTH SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-5) Alexander Zverev
  • THIRD SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 Alexander Zverev
  • SECOND SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 Alexander Zverev
  • FIRST SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev is the French Open champion

20:42 , Flo Clifford

Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's final match against Flavio Cobolli of Italy at the French Open (AP)
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's final match against Flavio Cobolli of Italy at the French Open (AP)
 (AP)
(AP)

Cobolli says:

20:10 , Flo Clifford

"Thanks to all the blue wall [of Italian supporters] behind me. I can't look at you otherwise I will cry.

"I want to ask you one thing - it was an incredible run so I want to see all the smiles from you guys because it's been fantastic to be here with you.

"I started playing when I was young and I never expected this kind of result. Now that I'm here, I just want to make something special possible. For me, it's not done, it's only the start and I'm still young so I just want to enjoy every moment I spend on court."

Flavio Cobolli says:

19:57 , Flo Clifford

"It's not easy for me to talk right now but I want to start with Alexander. If someone asks me who deserved this title, I always said you.

"It's been an honour to share the court with you today. I'm happy for you but also sad because I was close and I feel it.

"Now you've achieved your dream, let me win the next time."

 (AP)
(AP)

Zverev says:

19:50 , Flo Clifford

“First of all, I want to congratulate Flavio. Unbelievable two weeks reaching a first Grand Slam final and playing this way in your first Grand Slam final is incredible. Not many people do that. Really, from the bottom of my heart, I hope you will hold one of these trophies very soon.

"I also want to congratulate the team because, for me, it is one of the nicest teams on tour. Papa [Stefano Cobolli, Cobolli’s father and coach] you are one of the best people on tour. We always have great conversations. I also enjoy being around you guys. So you deserve it in the future. I am confident you will get one.”

Zverev the first German man to win Roland-Garros in Open era

19:37 , Flo Clifford

Zverev has now become the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title in 30 years. Boris Becker was the last man to do so, at the 1996 Australian Open.

The last German to win the French Open was Henner Henkel in 1937.

Zverev says:

19:31 , Flo Clifford

“I would like to thank my team.

"It is funny because I probably have the longest lasting team out of anybody in the world. I have the longest lasting coach, my father. I can't get rid of him. He has been here for 29 years.

"My brother also 29 years. I can't get rid of him either. I have my physical trainer who we have been working with since 2014, since I was 16 years old. That is also probably one of the longest relationships on tour. I would like to thank him as well. My best friend, who has been in the box for also over 10 years. One of the most important people for me because he keeps me happy, which is very difficult to do.

"Sergei [manager], we have been working together for over 10 years. Thank you very much for sticking with me. It has been a great run. The physio is new, he has been here for like two weeks, so a great start to a relationship. Well done! Don't ask for a bonus now. Nothing to do with you.

"I want to say thank you to everyone we have been through so much. We have been through injury, heartbreaks, losses, we have been losers at times in the most important moments. At the end of the day, we are Grand Slam champions now and that is what counts."

 (AP)
(AP)

Zverev says:

19:24 , Flo Clifford

“This court is so special to me in so many ways. I have had the best moments of my life in this court and I have had the worst moment of my life on this court.

“I was laid in that corner four years ago with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones [he snapped his ankle and had to be taken off in a wheelchair in the semi-finals in 2022]. I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago. But now, finally, it is a happy ending.

“Thank you very much to the crowd. It has been a really felt like the crowd was pushing me throughout the entire two weeks. Without you guys, I would have definitely not won the tournament, so thank you very much.”

Alexander Zverev conquers demons and outlasts Flavio Cobolli to win French Open for first major title

19:17 , Flo Clifford

As the man who had condemned him to his first bruising grand slam final loss watched on, Alexander Zverev finally overcame his demons, and the spirited but inexperienced Flavio Cobolli, to claim a first major title, winning 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7(5-7) 6-1 at Roland-Garros.

Dominic Thiem was responsible for his five-set loss in the US Open showpiece six years ago and the scar tissue from that defeat, and two more since in slam finals, were evident in a nervy and generally low-quality showing on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday.

But Zverev, the overwhelming favourite for the title in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and after the exits of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, ultimately managed to conquer his own mind and break world No 14 Cobolli’s resistance. He was given a significant helping hand from Cobolli himself in a four-and-a-quarter-hour final decided more on errors and psychological wobbles than anything else.

Zverev conquers demons and outlasts Cobolli to win French Open for first major title

Overcome with emotion

19:08 , Will Castle

 (AP)
(AP)
 (Reuters)
(Reuters)
 (AP)
(AP)

Alexander Zverev ends his grand slam hoodoo

18:54 , Will Castle

Three grand slam finals have come and gone for Alexander Zverev, emerging on the losing side of all of them.

Today, he ended that hoodoo, but not after being taken to the wire by 24-year-old Flavio Cobolli, who threatened to prolong the German’s wait.

What a final.

 (Reuters)
(Reuters)

Alexander Zverev wins French Open

18:52 , Will Castle

GAME, SET AND MATCH! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 1-6 Alexander Zverev*

18:45 , Will Castle

ALEXANDER ZVEREV WINS THE FRENCH OPEN!

Another wild overhead at the net goes wide of the mark for Flavio Cobolli, who is broken once again to crown Zverev as champion.

The German finally ends his wait for a grand slam title.

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 1-5 Alexander Zverev*

18:44 , Will Castle

Cobolli’s drop shot falls short of the net. A backhand from the Italian then follows suit. Now a double fault.

It’s 0-40. Three championship points to Zverev.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 1-5 Alexander Zverev

18:42 , Will Castle

We’re entering last chance saloon for Cobolli now - but it doesn’t look like it’s going to come for him on Zverev’s serve, so late into this game.

The German holds to 15. He is one game away from finally ending his grand slam hoodoo.

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 1-4 Alexander Zverev*

18:38 , Will Castle

Cobolli has no more room for error, his serve or otherwise.

And while the scoreline may not look promising for him at the moment, he’s done what he’s had to do there. He holds to love.

His physio is back courtside, massaging his quad during the change of ends. The physical toll in this heat must be immeasurable.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 0-4 Alexander Zverev

18:35 , Will Castle

A double fault from Zverev gives Cobolli another break point - again, the German fights back and smashes a looping ball into the corner to bring it back to deuce.

Now Zverev has the advantage. A mammoth serve is saved by Cobolli, and while Zverev doesn’t put him with the resulting smash, he does with the next passing volley at the net.

Zverev holds and spares the break, yet again.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 0-3 Alexander Zverev

18:33 , Will Castle

We are at the four-hour mark and you can tell just by looking at Zverev’s backhand in this game.

Two lacklustre efforts go straight into the net and just as Cobolli needs it, he’s got two break points. Every game in this deciding set has had a break point - the fortitude required to hold onto your serve at this stage is incredible.

Cobolli fails at the first opportunity, netting his own backhand. He then seems to have Zverev completely out of the next point on several occasions - but somehow the German survives long enough for Cobolli to fluff a smash into the fence. Unbelievable stuff!

We’re at deuce.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 0-3 Alexander Zverev*

18:26 , Will Castle

Zverev is back on defence but finds himself 15-30 up, with it now Cobolli who is hitting his racket into his quad, feeling the strain of these mammoth match.

That lead goes to 15-40; Zverev is in touching distance of a two-break lead.

Cobolli saves the first with a delightful drop shot. But after Zverev responds with his own in the next point, he fires a backhand pass beyond the Italian who had been forced to the net.

Zverev breaks again! This is his to lose now.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 0-2 Alexander Zverev

18:20 , Will Castle

Another drop shot does the trick for Zverev, with Cobolli only able to hit into the net cord. But Cobolli responds with a down-the-line pass of his own.

A big backhand is unretrievable for Cobolli, giving Zverev another opportunity to hold. This time he gets it done.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 0-1 Alexander Zverev

18:18 , Will Castle

Back-to-back double faults kick off Zverev’s service game - this occasion has haunted him so many times, and moments like those are why.

He manages to bring the score back to 30-30 but goes long to give Zverev a shot at breaking right back.

Zverev salvages it, drawing Cobolli in with a drop shot before producing a backhand pass down the line.

We go to deuce.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) 0-1 Alexander Zverev*

18:12 , Will Castle

Here we go. One more set to decide for the French Open title.

And maybe now, the nerves are creeping back in for Cobolli. After going wide to take Zverev 15-30 up, he fails to dispatch another dunk opportunity, with Zverev returning before successfully chasing down a drop shot to get two break points.

Both chances a fluffed by the German, but he keeps his head to return what Cobolli throws at him to take the advantage. The Italian then goes long, and Zverev gets the early fifth-set break!

The impassioned reaction towards his coach at the end there tells the story. Emotions are inevitably boiling over.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) Alexander Zverev

18:07 , Will Castle

Zverev is pacing on the court waiting for Cobolli to re-emerge. He looks in pain - he took some sort of medication towards the end of the fourth set.

Let’s see how he holds up. Will it be more grand slam heartbreak for the German?

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) Alexander Zverev

18:05 , Will Castle

Take a breath while you have the chance.

This final, having looked like it could’ve been painfully one-sided in the first set, has turned into something of a classic.

SET! *Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (7-5) Alexander Zverev

18:00 , Will Castle

After missing that basic forehand volley, it’s a SUBLIME passing forehand from Cobolli to win the set and take this to a decider!

We are going the distance!

 (AP)
(AP)

TIEBREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (6-5) Alexander Zverev*

17:59 , Will Castle

It was there for the taking! All Cobolli has to do is dunk volley into an open court, but he completely fluffs it!

A lifeline for Zverev on serve.

TIEBREAK! *Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (5-4) Alexander Zverev

17:58 , Will Castle

Oh, Alex. It’s a double fault from the German, and now Cobolli is two service points away from a deciding fifth set...

TIEBREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (4-3) Alexander Zverev*

17:55 , Will Castle

Cobolli breaks back and serves well to level the score.

After a change of ends, he produces a huge forehand into the corner of the court to take the lead.

The ball is back in Zverev’s court.

TIEBREAK! *Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (1-3) Alexander Zverev

17:53 , Will Castle

These are the moments that could define Zverev’s on-court career.

He squeezes two shots just onto the paint, before forcing Cobolli to commit to chasing a drop shot. The Italian gets it back over but Zverev is able to slice it into the open back-court.

TIEBREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (1-2) Alexander Zverev*

17:51 , Will Castle

Another big rally comes and gos, but it’s Zverev who goes in front as Cobolli gets unlucky with the net cord, his shot looping long.

TIEBREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 (1-1) Alexander Zverev*

17:49 , Will Castle

First two points, first two mini-breaks. It’s a wonderful shot from Cobolli to take the lead on Zverev’s serve, but the German responds in toe.

There was controversy during the first point as a pigeon landed on Zverev’s side - he thought it should’ve been a let call. Alas, they played on.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-6 Alexander Zverev*

17:46 , Will Castle

Will this be Zverev’s moment?

No. Cobolli holds to love. And we’re into a fourth set tiebreak.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 5-6 Alexander Zverev

17:44 , Will Castle

Zverev has his break but unlike last time, he needs to back it up. Despite an early time violation, he rushes to a 40-0 lead and it looks like he’s on course to do just that.

Cobolli does get on the board before returning a powerful backhand with a looping effort, which should be smashed with aplomb by Zverev - but he gets it wrong and nets.

Fortunately for the German, his next serve is there to save him as he holds to 40.

He is now one game away from becoming a grand slam champion.

 (AP)
(AP)

BREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 5-5 Alexander Zverev*

17:39 , Will Castle

What a point to kick off a potentially crucial, decisive game in this set. A back-and-forth rally ends with Cobolli netting off a delightful Zverev sliced backhand.

However, the German is grimacing; he’s experiencing pain in his leg, perhaps stress cramps. His physio is down on the court, where the players usually head off the court. But there’s no stoppage yet.

Zverev produces one of the shots of the final so far, drilling a forehand pass to go 0-30 up. But he’s still in pain, and soon Cobolli’s level in the game.

The World No 3 doesn’t look like he can go for long rallies, leaving him with one option: go big. He does that in back-to-back points to huge success, and remarkably gets the set-saving break!

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 5-4 Alexander Zverev

17:31 , Will Castle

Zverev needed his serve to deliver there and it did just that. He holds to love.

Just like in the third, he now needs a break late in the set.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 5-3 Alexander Zverev*

17:28 , Will Castle

Cobolli applauds Zverev after delivering a wonderful pass down the line after dashing to save a drop shot.

Unforced errors then consume both, with the game going to deuce. The tension is palpable.

Cobolli gets to advantage before putting volleying out of Zverev’s reach at the net.

Zverev has to serve to stay in the set, or we’re going to a fifth.

BREAK BACK! *Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 4-3 Alexander Zverev

17:21 , Will Castle

It’s an absolute disaster for Zverev! Having just broken, he capitulates in his service game to fall 15-40 down.

He then completely fluffs a volley at the net - the second time he’s done that this game - to hit the fence and allow Cobolli to break back.

The grand slam demons are anything but absent.

BREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 3-3 Alexander Zverev*

17:16 , Will Castle

Cobolli gets his forehand down the line all wrong, sending it right to give Zverev a fourth shot at breaking.

This time he gets it done, with Cobolli’s backhand blasted into the net. Zverev retrieves the break of serve!

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 3-2 Alexander Zverev*

17:14 , Will Castle

This is a big moment in this final for Zverev. He goes 0-30 up after turning into an absolute wall for the second point of Cobolli’s service game - returning and returning until the Italian went long.

Cobolli then fires wildly wide with a forehand and Zverev has three break points.

The first is fired into the net by Zverev. The second is aced by Cobolli. The third goes long from Zverev.

Cobolli escapes, for now. We go to deuce.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 3-2 Alexander Zverev

17:09 , Will Castle

Cobolli is playing with elegance that is like night and day compared to the first set - that stumble is way in his rear-view mirror now.

Zverev is on the attack but the Italian isn’t short of responses, delivering a superb passing return to the German’s first serve at 40-15.

He goes on to net the following point and Zverev holds. Now he needs the break.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 3-1 Alexander Zverev*

17:05 , Will Castle

Cobolli commits the first foot fault of this final and after getting his second serve in play, he nets his shot as Zverev levels the score at 15-15.

It’s the same story at 30-15, producing an unforced error to keep the German in the game.

But Zverev’s undoing comes from within the World No 3, who goes for a baffling drop shot which is both uncharacteristic and also poorly executed. It’s put away easily by Cobolli who goes on to see out the hold.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 2-1 Alexander Zverev

16:59 , Will Castle

Much better from Zverev, who delivers a brilliant passing forehand to go 30-0 up.

Cobolli then nets the return of Zverev’s powerful first serve, before the German aces down the middle.

A much-needed straightforward hold.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 2-0 Alexander Zverev*

16:58 , Will Castle

Full steam ahead for Flavio Cobolli. He backs up the break, holding to 15.

The Italian is ready to go the distance.

BREAK! *Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 1-0 Alexander Zverev

16:53 , Will Castle

Well, well, well. Zverev has been in this position before - he led Carlos Alcaraz here 2-1 in 2024 but went on to lose.

But after two double faults, which sandwiched a backhand cross-court winner by Cobolli, the Italian has just broken in the first game of the fourth. Is history repeating itself?

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 Alexander Zverev

16:50 , Will Castle

Cobolli had barely put a foot wrong in that third set - but four unforced errors from the Italian just handed the advantage to Zverev in this final.

Now, Zverev is just one set away from ending his grand slam hoodoo...

BREAK AND SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-6 Alexander Zverev*

16:47 , Will Castle

Cobolli doesn’t look like he’s showing the pressure as he serves to stay alive in this set, going 30-0 up with ease.

But a rare unforced error in this third set gives Zverev a way back. The German then levels the game after Cobolli fires a cross-court forehand into the fence.

After nearly double faulting, it’s a third poor point in a row for Cobolli, and Zverev now has a shot at breaking and thus a set point.

Cobolli goes for the cross-court backhand winner... and puts it wide! Zverev takes the third set!

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-5 Alexander Zverev*

16:41 , Will Castle

Zverev kicks off his service game with two accurate aces before Cobolli’s lob goes wide - this looks set to be a simple hold.

But after Cobolli bites back with a superb return from a Zverev first serve, the pair put on a brilliant rally of angles, which the German comes out on top of as he fires a tight shot while close to the net, meeting a drop shot.

Cobolli serving to stay in the set.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 4-4 Alexander Zverev*

16:36 , Will Castle

Cobolli fires a forehand wide to drop the first point but levels with courageous play, going to the net when Zverev was expecting him at the baseline before volleying a drop over, which the German can’t meet.

They trade points once more before Zverev fails to put the required mustard on a return of second serve, allowing Cobolli to work the point to the net and finish.

An exquisite passing shot down the line seals the hold for Cobolli. Nothing to separate these two, yet.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 3-4 Alexander Zverev

16:30 , Will Castle

Still waiting for our first break of this third set.

Strong play at the net from Zverev sees him go 30-0 up on serve, before a big serve isn’t returned by Cobolli.

A simple backhand down the line ensures the German holds to love.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 3-3 Alexander Zverev*

16:28 , Will Castle

After leaving Cobolli waiting at the baseline during the changeover, Zverev finds the net on the first point on defence.

He responds with a wonderful cross-court winner to level the score but falls to 40-15 with Cobolli unwavering.

The Italian sees out the hold with a powerful forehand pass.

The pressure feels very much on Zverev’s shoulders.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 2-3 Alexander Zverev

16:23 , Will Castle

After blowing a big chance at breaking, Zverev needs to make sure his change in fortunes doesn’t snowball into a collapse.

Back on serve, he doesn’t show much sign of that. He does fluff a simple shot after a drop shot bounces nicely - but from then, it’s an impressive, convincing hold.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 2-2 Alexander Zverev*

16:20 , Will Castle

Cobolli hasn’t been broken since the end of the first set, but Zverev is primed to do it now - he’s 15-40 up and could retake the edge in this final.

But after the Italian nets his first serve, Zverev completely fluffs what should’ve been a pretty simple forehand. It allows Cobolli back into this game, bringing it to deuce.

A wonderful passing forehand on the line acts as a reprieve for Cobolli after Zverev took the advantage.

And having seen two break points vanish, Cobolli saves the game and holds. A huge turnaround.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 1-2 Alexander Zverev

16:12 , Will Castle

These service games are speeding up, after a couple of marathons towards the end of the second set.

Zverev holds to 15 once more.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 1-1 Alexander Zverev*

16:09 , Will Castle

Perhaps not as straightforward as Zverev’s first hold, but Cobolli gets it done after kicking off the third set with a sublime pass down the line.

He’s in the mood.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 0-1 Alexander Zverev

16:04 , Will Castle

Are the grand slam final demons creeping in for Zverev?

He’ll be hoping to stave them off, and he’s locked in as he has to do to hold his first service game of this third set to 15.

 (AP)
(AP)

SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 6-4 Alexander Zverev*

15:59 , Will Castle

Cobolli is serving to the set. Many might not have seen that coming after the brutality of the first.

An early forehand is scuffed but Zverev nets on the next point to bring it to 15-15. A super ace then puts Cobolli in control.

Zverev nets again to give Cobolli two set points... and he only needs one! Another backhand into the net from Zverev and Cobolli takes the second set, levelling this final at Roland Garros!

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 5-4 Alexander Zverev

15:54 , Will Castle

Suddenly, Cobolli is looking a tough nut to crack. He leaps on a drop shot before firing a forehand to Zverev at the net, whose volley goes long.

Zverev’s serve is looking strong, though, and he goes back to advantage with an ace. Yet again, Cobolli has the response.

Cobolli then fluffs a drop shot into the net, a big chance missed as he looks to his box, muttering frustrations to himself. Still, Zverev can’t get the game over the line.

The German takes his fourth advantage the game, showing how you put away a drop shot. And this time, he gets it done and is still in this second set.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 5-3 Alexander Zverev

15:49 , Will Castle

Zverev really looks like he’s boiling over in the Paris heat. He commits his 12th unforced error of the set to go 15-30 down.

With Cobolli now settled, Zverev is requiring big shots to get any joy. A wonderful backhand forces Cobolli’s returned slice to go long. He then follows that up with a smash to go within a point of holding.

But an excellent forehand return from Zverev’s first serve goes out of the German’s reach, and we go to deuce!

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 5-3 Alexander Zverev*

15:45 , Will Castle

Now you feel the tide is turning in favour of Cobolli, with Zverev now beginning to chirp at his coaches’ box.

He’s running the German around the court, drawing him to the net before finding a lovely backhand winner to go within a point of holding.

The Italian then smashes past Zverev to take the game. Now it’s Zverev serving to stay in the set.

BREAK! *Flavio Cobolli 1-6 4-3 Alexander Zverev

15:39 , Will Castle

A huge second serve gets Zverev to advantage again - but Cobolli is feeling himself now! He finds the drop shot he was struggling with in the first set and takes it back to deuce.

This is the biggest test of Zverev’s serve we’ve seen in this final. Another advantage comes and goes for the German, who initially responded with a brilliant drop shot of his own before being pegged back.

Now Cobolli is at advantage. This is a huge opportunity for the Italian...

He returns Zverev’s first serve and the German, going for a big backhand, fires wide! Cobolli breaks Zverev for the first time in the final and takes control of the second set!

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 3-3 Alexander Zverev

15:34 , Will Castle

Cobolli looks settled on serve but my, is he getting frustrated receiving. He lets out a huge scream after failing to receive Zverev’s first serve - but maybe it’s a war cry?!

That’s because he manages to get the game to 30-30 with a superb passing backhand, before winning the next to earn a break point!

This is a huge moment in this final - and we get the rally to match. It goes 23 shots, with Cobolli fighting tooth and nail to stay alive, but Zverev doesn’t falter - he takes it to deuce.

The German then goes in one point of a hold with a huge smash that bounces into the crowd - but he’s given Cobolli a lifeline with a double fault!

Back to deuce we go...

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 3-3 Alexander Zverev*

15:29 , Will Castle

Zverev threatens to make a comeback on Cobolli’s serve, firing a fantastic backhand winner to take the score to 40-30.

But in an attempt to return Cobolli’s next serve, finally, the net cord doesn’t go Zverev’s way! In dribbles before dropping onto the German’s side, and we’re level in the second set once again.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 2-3 Alexander Zverev

15:23 , Will Castle

We’re seeing more of Cobolli on his own serve, but he’s struggled to get a foothold in his final on defence.

Zverev again holds to love, sending Cobolli the wrong way after the Italian just managed to keep the fourth point alive to seal the game.

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 2-2 Alexander Zverev*

15:20 , Will Castle

There we go, Flavio! His drop shot has often been erroneous but maybe he’s getting his feel as he feathers one over the net to go 30-0 up.

The finalists then trade points, giving Cobolli to shots at holding - and while Zverev is able to get a vicious backhand back over the net from the back left corner, Cobolli makes no mistake with the smash.

He amps up the crowd, who are well on his side.

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 1-2 Alexander Zverev

15:17 , Will Castle

The tide isn’t showing much sign of turning yet. Zverev holds to love on serve and Cobolli isn’t happy.

He needs to get out of his head.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 1-1 Alexander Zverev*

15:15 , Will Castle

Cobolli has lost three of four service games in this final so far. He desperately needs to get back on the board.

Zverev, whose defence has been on point so far, gets run around the court by the Italian but Cobolli gets his chance to hold as the German’s high looping return lands behind the baseline.

Clinching four points on the bounce, he holds to 15 and there’s a big cheer on Court Phlippe Chatrier. They want to see Cobolli find a way back.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 1-6 0-1 Alexander Zverev

15:11 , Will Castle

Cobolli’s game at the net just hasn’t been there so far. He goes a foot long with a lob and Zverev has two game points.

He then goes wide with a forehand and the first is wrapped up for Zverev.

Flavio Cobolli 1-6 Alexander Zverev

15:09 , Will Castle

Cobolli desperately needs a fast start to this second set. He looks very nervous and Zverev, for all his grand slam heartbreak, is coasting.

SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 Alexander Zverev*

15:05 , Will Castle

Oh, Flavio. Serving to stay in the set, the first point of the game goes Zverev’s way after Cobolli completely fluffs a volley at the net.

Zverev then gets another fortunate deflection off the net cord and while Cobolli is able to bring it back to 30-30, he goes wide with a backhand to give Zverev a set point.

And Zverev takes his chance! He rips a cross-court forehand past Cobolli and snatches the first set in emphatic style!

 (AP)
(AP)

SET! Flavio Cobolli 1-6 Alexander Zverev*

15:04 , Will Castle

Oh, Flavio. Serving to stay in the set, the first point of the game goes Zverev’s way after Cobolli completely fluffs a volley at the net.

Zverev then gets another fortunate deflection off the net cord and while Cobolli is able to bring it back to 30-30, he goes wide with a backhand to give Zverev a set point.

And Zverev takes his chance! He rips a cross-court forehand past Cobolli and snatches the first set in emphatic style!

*Flavio Cobolli 1-5 Alexander Zverev

15:00 , Will Castle

Cobolli makes life a bit more difficult for Zverev as he takes a 15-30 lead, knowing he really needs a change of fortunes to turn this set around.

But he doesn’t end up getting that opportunity for a break point and Zverev holds serve. The Italian is serving to stay in the set.

BREAK! Flavio Cobolli 1-4 Alexander Zverev*

14:55 , Will Castle

Blimey, what a couple of shots! Cobolli fires a serve that potently kicks out wide, which is met with a backhand that swerves around the net. It’s a remarkable return, but Cobolli is there to put it to the opposite corner and level the score at 15-15.

Things then take a turn when a line judge calls out for a Cobolli ace that was actually in, but they called it before Zverev made contact. The point is replayed, and Cobolli loses, taking the score to 15-40.

Cobolli then goes for the drop shot once again, but it falls short of the net - Zverev is a double break up.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 1-3 Alexander Zverev

14:50 , Will Castle

Zverev looks on course for another simple hold but Cobolli threatens to cause some trouble as he produces a lovely passing backhand to take the score to 40-30.

The German gets the job done, though, firing a forehand deep into the corner, which goes beyond Cobolli.

Flavio Cobolli 1-2 Alexander Zverev*

14:44 , Will Castle

Better from Cobolli, who showed he was growing into this final towards the end of his first service game.

He hits back and notches his first game in a grand slam final, finishing it off with a forehand into the corner to hold to 15; the Italian is on the board.

 (AP)
(AP)

*Flavio Cobolli 0-2 Alexander Zverev

14:42 , Will Castle

Zverev is known for his power and it’s all looking a bit too straightforward for the German at the moment. He holds to 15 against Cobolli.

Pretty much the perfect start in his bid to end his grand slam hoodoo.

BREAK! Flavio Cobolli 0-1 Alexander Zverev*

14:37 , Will Castle

Cobolli isn’t letting Zverev take the front that easily! He fights back to get the game to deuce.

Zverev then goes long with a lob to give Cobolli a shot at holding serve, but the German gets a huge slice of luck as he fires into the net cord, the ball precariously rolling along before dropping onto the Italian’s side.

The World No 2 keeps his hopes of a break alive and gets third bite at the apple after a passing Cobolli backhand goes wide, but a super serve brings it back to deuce.

However, a heavy drop shot gives Zverev a fourth break point, which this time he gobbles up! Zverev put the ball in Cobolli’s court by choosing the receive, and he’s broken in the first.

 (AP)
(AP)

Flavio Cobolli 0-0 Alexander Zverev*

14:30 , Will Castle

It’s a shaky start by Cobolli in his first grand slam final. He drops the first point and then falls foul of a double fault. Only one of his first five serves end up in play.

Zverev goes long in the next point but forces Cobolli to do the same to get two gos at first-game break...

French Open final

14:27 , Will Castle

Righty ho, the French Open final is about to begin. Flavio Cobolli has the balls and will serve first in this final.

*denotes next server

French Open final

14:23 , Will Castle

Zverev wins the toss and chooses to receive - he’s put the ball very much in Cobolli’s court, despite his serve being his famed weapon.

Cobolli opts to stay on his side. Final warm-ups are underway.

French Open final

14:19 , Flo Clifford

Flavio Cobolli is introduced as a first-time grand slam finalist and he’s the first to walk out onto Court Philippe-Chatrier, to healthy applause. His box are all kitted out in Azzurri blue and on their feet. He waves to the crowd but otherwise looks impassive.

Zverev comes out next. The music is deafening but it sounds like there is similar applause for both players - a bit different to yesterday’s women’s final, which was dominated by enthusiastic Polish fans of Maja Chwalinska.

French Open final

14:11 , Flo Clifford

There’s a gentle breeze blowing on Court Philippe-Chatrier but nothing like the unpredictable gusts that have been so disruptive over the past couple of days, including in yesterday’s women’s final.

The roof is open, the skies are blue, and the sun is shining.

 (Getty)
(Getty)

French Open final

14:05 , Flo Clifford

Not too long to go now before the start of this men’s singles final. Before then there’s the customary opening ceremony, which today involves some orange-and-white clad dancers (very clay court) wielding pompoms.

It’s a high-energy sequence choreographed by Benjamin Millepied, which culminates in the dancers lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires (or a replica, more likely) and a a trio of tricolore flares being set off.

Siniakova and Townsend win women's doubles

14:00 , Flo Clifford

Earlier on Court Philippe-Chatrier Katerina Siniakova won her 11th major doubles title alongside partner Taylor Townsend, who claimed her third, as they lifted the French Open women’s doubles trophy.

The pair, who were the top seeds, triumphed 6–2, 7–5 over second seeds Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic.

It was a fourth French Open title for Siniakova, the world No 1 in doubles, and a first for Townsend.

 (AP)
(AP)

Alexander Zverev's route to the French Open final

13:53 , Flo Clifford

  • Round 1 - def. Benjamin Bonzi 6-3, 6-4, 6-2
  • Round 2 - def. Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-2, 6-2
  • Round 3 - def. Quentin Halys 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2
  • Round 4 - def. Jesper de Jong 7-6(3), 6-4, 6-1
  • Quarter-final - def. [27] Rafael Jodar 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3
  • Semi-final - [26] Jakub Mensik 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2

Flavio Cobolli's route to the French Open final

13:46 , Flo Clifford

  • Round 1 - def. Andrea Pellegrino 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-3
  • Round 2 - def. Yibing Wu 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
  • Round 3 - def. [18] Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2, 6-3
  • Round 4 - def. Zachary Svajda 6-2, 6-3, 6-7(3), 7-6(5)
  • Quarter-final - def. [4] Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
  • Semi-final - advanced by walkover vs Matteo Arnaldi

How underdog Flavio Cobolli can write next page in Italian success story in French Open final

13:38 , Flo Clifford

After a tournament of upsets, crash-outs and rank outsiders storming into the mainstream, the men’s and women’s French Open finals have ended up looking remarkably familiar. Three of the four finalists were seeds, with an Italian man and Polish woman both in the line-up. That they weren’t the expected pairing was testament to the upside-down quality of this Roland-Garros – and the determination of both characters.

Poland’s Maja Chwalinska had previously shown promise on clay but was always a highly unlikely finalist, rising from world No 114 to just outside the top 20 and coming through three qualifying matches to even make the main draw.

Meanwhile the men’s final will not feature Jannik Sinner, nor the absent Lorenzo Musetti, but another promising young Italian seizing the opportunity of the draw suddenly collapsing around him. 10th seed Flavio Cobolli is now into his first major final and while his story may not rival Chwalinska’s for its Cinderella quality, it writes another page in one of the most remarkable success stories this decade: the seemingly endless rise of Italian tennis.

How underdog Cobolli can continue Italian success story with French Open triumph

Why Alexander Zverev would be the French Open’s most complicated winner

13:31 , Flo Clifford

Second seed Alexander Zverev has made smooth progress through the draw and has never been in a better position to win a maiden grand slam title.

But his continued presence on the tour divides opinion and raises difficult questions about the sport’s handling of thorny legal issues.

More here:

Why Alexander Zverev would be the French Open’s most complicated winner

Alexander Zverev is in the French Open final – but his toughest opponent remains clear

13:24 , Flo Clifford

Alexander Zverev reached the French Open final for a second time with a four-set win over Jakub Mensik that simultaneously showcased why he is the overwhelming favourite for the title, and also highlighted the psychological burden that has so often held him back on the biggest stage.

The second seed looked to be racing towards a straight-sets win over a listless Mensik, who has played two gruelling five-setters at Roland Garros and been troubled by physical niggles this week. The 20-year-old took a medical timeout as he led 2-1 in the third set and seized momentum shortly after his return, winning the third set 6-3 as Zverev grew increasingly frustrated with his own errors.

The German regrouped in the fourth, breaking early and holding on for a 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 win, but this match was evidence once again of his lack of killer instinct and passivity in big moments, which have seen him left heartbroken in his three previous grand slam finals.

Zverev is in the French Open final – but his toughest opponent remains clear

Alexander Zverev v Flavio Cobolli

13:17 , Flo Clifford

Zverev meanwhile has appeared in three major finals and lost all three of them, but he has never been a bigger favourite for the title than today.

His record is:

  • 2020 US Open: 6–2, 6–4, 4–6, 3–6, 6–7(6–8) loss to Dominic Thiem
  • 2024 French Open: 3–6, 6–2, 7–5, 1–6, 2–6 loss to Carlos Alcaraz
  • 2025 Australian Open: 3–6, 6–7(4–7), 3–6 loss to Jannik Sinner

Alexander Zverev v Flavio Cobolli

13:10 , Flo Clifford

Turning our attention now to today’s men’s singles final, which will get underway in a little over an hour.

This is Italian Flavio Cobolli’s first-ever major final, with his previous best result at a grand slam coming at Wimbledon last year, when he reached the quarter-finals.

He had previously never gone beyond the third round at Roland-Garros.

Alfie Hewett unable to back up French Open doubles title with singles trophy

13:00 , Flo Clifford

There was further British disappointment later on as second seed Alfie Hewett lost the wheelchair singles’ final 6-3 6-3 to generational talent and top seed Tokito Oda.

Hewett had won the doubles trophy alongside partner Gordon Reid for the seventh year in a row yesterday but was unable to back that up in the singles, losing to Oda for the second successive year.

20-year-old Oda, of Japan, has now won four straight Roland-Garros titles and eight of the last 11 grand slams, and appears to have Hewett’s number, having beaten him in five of the last seven major finals they have contested.

Hewett said: “Congratulations Tokito and your team, I'm not sure how many years you have won this in a row but it seems to feel like forever. It's obviously nice to be back in the final here but I am gutted with the performance, it's definitely not one I am proud of.”

Alfie Hewett lost a second consecutive French Open final to Tokito Oda (AP)
Alfie Hewett lost a second consecutive French Open final to Tokito Oda (AP)

Britain’s Henry Patten and partner Harri Heliovaara fall short in French Open men’s doubles final

12:50 , Flo Clifford

Earlier yesterday, Briton Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara fell to a straight-sets defeat in the French Open men’s doubles final, although they will still be crowned joint world No 1 for the first time in Monday’s updated rankings.

The second seeds were bidding for their third major title together and to go one step closer to completing the career grand slam, after winning Wimbledon in 2024 and the Australian Open last season.

They made serene progress through the draw and did not drop a set en route, sealing a place in their first French Open final on Heliovaara’s 37th birthday.

But they were distinctly second best in Saturday’s final, losing to top seeds and defending champions Marcel Granollers of Spain and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos 6-4 6-2. It made for their third grand slam title together, after the French Open and the US Open last year.

Britain’s Patten and partner Heliovaara fall short in French Open men’s doubles final

Chwalinska likely to receive Wimbledon wildcard after superb climb up rankings

12:40 , Flo Clifford

The Pole will climb from 114th in the rankings to 21, which would be enough to earn her a seeding for Wimbledon.

She is taking nothing for granted, saying of the possibility: “That would be the news of a century. Honestly, I don’t expect it, but I’ll see.”

Chwalinska is no teenage dreamer having battled away on the lower reaches of the tour for years, including struggling with depression, without ever making the top 100 or beating a top-50 player.

“It’s such a huge jump all of a sudden but really it’s been 18 years of hard work and patience and perseverance,” she added.

“I had to go through so much to be in this position. Life’s weird sometimes, and you’ve just got to do your thing and believe that it will click someday, and I’m happy that it did.”

 (Getty)
(Getty)

Qualifier Maja Chwalinska unable to continue dream run

12:25 , Flo Clifford

Attention ahead of the match had understandably been dominated by the remarkable run from qualifying to the final of 24-year-old Pole Chwalinska, who had the vast majority of the crowd support.

Nine successive victories put her one win away from matching Emma Raducanu’s unprecedented achievement in New York in 2021.

That final step proved significantly too much in the end, with Andreeva dealing much better with her nerves and the windy conditions, and she won nine games in a row from 2-3 in the opening set.

“I will definitely not forget these three weeks,” said Chwalinska. “Paris will stay forever in my heart.”

Maja Chwalinska ran out of steam at the end of a stunning run from qualifying, which has launched her into the top 30 in the world (Reuters)
Maja Chwalinska ran out of steam at the end of a stunning run from qualifying, which has launched her into the top 30 in the world (Reuters)

Mirra Andreeva feels her French Open title will be start of grand slam addiction

12:11 , Flo Clifford

Mirra Andreeva believes her French Open title will be the start of a grand slam addiction after she became the youngest woman in 34 years to win at Roland Garros.

“It’s been one of my biggest dreams in my life, and I’m just super happy that I was able to give my best and win the match and win this tournament,” said Andreeva.

“I’ve had dreams, I’ve had a lot of thoughts on how it’s going to happen, if it’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, where. I would say that the feeling in real life is so much better, obviously, than in your dreams.

“Now I’m already thinking of how I’m going to prepare for the grass season. I feel like this thing is a little bit addictive, and I really want to do my best to experience all of this for the second time.”

Mirra Andreeva feels her French Open title will be start of grand slam addiction

Yesterday: Mirra Andreeva comes of age to win French Open and end Maja Chwalinska fairytale run

11:58 , Flo Clifford at Roland Garros

Mirra Andreeva overcame testing conditions and the burden of years of expectations to defeat qualifier Maja Chwalinska for her first grand slam title, becoming the youngest women's champion at the French Open since 18-year-old Monica Seles in 1992.

19-year-old Andreeva announced her enormous potential on the clay with a storming run to the French Open semi-finals two years ago. Despite her young age she had long been tipped to convert that into titles – and two years on, the vastly experienced teenager fulfilled that potential, maintaining her focus despite a difficult, windy court and a highly partisan crowd to win Roland Garros 6-3 6-2.

The eighth seed collapsed to the clay and covered her face in disbelief as a smash, with Chwalinska rooted to the spot, sealed the first of what many believe will be several major titles. It brought an end to Chwalinska’s stunning fairytale run, as she attempted to become only the second qualifier to ever win a major, after Emma Raducanu at the US Open in 2021.

Mirra Andreeva comes of age to win French Open and end Maja Chwalinska fairytale run

French Open order of play: Sunday 7 June

11:45 , Will Castle

Court Philippe-Chatrier

Women’s Doubles final - 10am BST

Katerina Siniakova / Taylor Townsend (1) v Anna Danilina / Aleksandra Krunic (2)

Men’s Singles final - not before 2pm BST

Flavio Cobolli (10) v Alexander Zverev (2)

Is the French Open on TV?

11:40 , Will Castle

The tournament is shown live on TNT Sports in the UK as well as online on HBO Max.

In the US, it is broadcast live on TNT Sports, Max, truTV and CNN.

When is the French Open men’s final?

11:35 , Will Castle

The French Open men’s final takes place on Sunday 7 June, after the women’s doubles final, which begins at 11am local time (10am BST).

The men’s final will therefore start after the conclusion of that match, and not before 3pm local time (2pm BST).

French Open final LIVE!

11:30 , Will Castle

Alexander Zverev plays Flavio Cobolli in the final of the French Open, with the German bidding to end his grand slam duck after three bruising final defeats.

The second seed has been the red-hot favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires since the surprise early exits of top seed Jannik Sinner and 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, and has made smooth progress through the draw, only dropping two sets.

The scar tissue from those three losses in major finals is likely to be his biggest weakness - which 10th seed Cobolli will hope to exploit, with the Italian appearing in his maiden grand slam final.

The world No 14 advanced to the final via walkover after compatriot Matteo Arnaldi came down with a viral illness, which prevented him taking to the court for Friday’s semi-final.

He faces Zverev at 3pm local time on the final day of Roland-Garros, after Mirra Andreeva beat Maja Chwalinska 6-3 6-2 to seal the women’s title on Saturday.

Good morning

11:01 , Will Castle

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the French Open men’s final between Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli.

Stay tuned for all the latest build-up, updates and match action from Roland Garros.

Alexander Zverev has lost three slam finals but is the favourite to finally win one today (Getty)
Alexander Zverev has lost three slam finals but is the favourite to finally win one today (Getty)

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website

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