The 2026 French Open final is here as Alexander Zverev takes on Flavio Cobolli.
The big guns may be out, but no.3 seed Zverev has made it to the final and could finally achieve that maiden grand slam. His opponent: Cobolli, is also a eyeing a maiden Major win.
Stay up to date with all the action right here, with live updates and free streams as we bring you coverage of the men's French Open final.
French Open Final: The Essentials
- Date: 7 June 2026
- Match Start: 2pm BST / 9am ET / 11pm AEST
- Free Streams: 9Now (Australia) / France TV (France)
- UK Stream: TNT Sports / HBO Max
- US Stream: TNT / TruTV / HBO Max
- Unlock your free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free)
Welcome to our French Open final live blog!
An unpredictable final in an unpredictable French Open
Heat exhaustion. Multiple walkovers. Big players eliminated early on. A virus wiping out a semifinalist. This French Open has been full of drama on and off court.
With very few high seeded players left in the tournament by the quarterfinals alone, there's been very little data to actually predict how these underdogs would play on the world stage.
However, we've been treated to some new names and some that haven't been able to shine as much, and Zverev and Cobolli are two of those.
We'll let you know more about these players, the journey on how they got here, the tournament information today and how to watch the whole thing.
Stay with us as our coverage starts now and all throughout the game, due to start at 2pm GMT!
How to watch the French Open final
If you're in Australia or France, you're in luck!
Down under have got a free stream on Australia's 9Now and if you're in France the imaginatively titled France TV will also be showing free coverage of the final.
For those based in the US and UK, TNT Sports / HBO Max have a monopoly on the match so you'll have to fork out for a subscription...
However, you can unlock these free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free)
One hour until the match!
One hour until the biggest annual tennis match in France.
Zverev and Cobolli, two very close friends, will soon become two very formidable opponents to the other in a match which will make a chance from the classic Sinner v Alcaraz combo that's dominated the major Grand Slams for the last few years.
We'll let you know the favourite, the stats and everything else you need to know in the build up right here.
Zverev warms up on court
World number three and French Open seed number two - due to Alcaraz unable to play - is currently warming up.
Zverev has had three finals defeats to his name - only a Wimbledon final has eluded him - so you sense that he believes cometh the man cometh the hour.
He's got an edge having played these intense finals compared to Cobolli, and he knows what the pressure can do. Will he be able to bring his A-game for the most important match of his career?
Cobolli: the untested underdog
Cobolli, the number ten seed in the tournament, was not a name many were familiar with before the French Open but he's proved himself a worthy finalist.
Look at his track record throughout the tournament: he's won straight sets for most games and only dropped one set twice. He's never had to take a game to any more than four sets, so don't write Cobolli off.
Yes, it's true that this has been an unusual tournament with all the surprises and walkovers, including a lucky break for Cobolli's cancelled semifinal against Arnaldi. The Italian has only had to play two seeded players, his biggest challenge being number four seed Auger-Aliassime, so has had a relatively easy path to the final.
The bookies have Zverev down as the clear favourite, the TNT pundits mostly reckon the German will win in four sets...but will Cobolli rise to the challenge?
A reminder how to watch the final for FREE
You can enjoy the French Open for free on Australia's 9Now and if you're in France on France TV.
Not based in France or Australia? No problem, unlock these free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free).
The match is about to start!
Take your seats and prepare for the players to take their place on court!
We'll be reporting on every minute of the action right here.
Pom-poms aplenty
The French are treating the crowd to some cheerleading before the game.
You sense the crowd would just prefer the tennis to get underway but the pre-show has become as much a part of the sport now so we'll just wait for it to finish.
The players wait in the wings.
The players are about to enter...
Not a hard 2pm start in Paris. A bit of a delayed start with all the celebrations and pre-hype, really milking the moment for all its worth.
The players are both in the same locker room, checking their phones and in their own zones, both wanting to get started.
But here they come...
German and Italian fans raise the roof
Both players receive great receptions from their fans, Zverev receiving a larger cheer due to his profile.
Formalities ensue as they walk onto the court, do the coin toss (Zverev wins), get the photo done. Warm up now.
It's nearly time!
Not based in France or Australia for their free streams? No problem, unlock these free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free).
Zverev wins the first point
Cobolli serves first, Zverev chose to receive in a curious decision maybe to put the pressure on the Italian for his first Grand Slam final, and loses his first point.
He loses the next point too but claims his first point after that.
15-30.
Zverev breakes Cobolli's serve in the first game (just)
A sign of things to come?
Zverev led the long first game after the first nervous few points from Cobolli but the Italian settled down and took it to deuce several times.
However, after making mistakes on three of his advantage points, Zverev eventually won the first game in a very controlling start.
The pre-match photo: will they be friends at the end of the match?
The two players looked comfortable with each other but remained distant in the same locker room.
Much has been made of their friendship but the second they're on court that will be out the window.
Which friend will ultimately triumph?
Zverev wins his serve
The German breezed through his first service to claim a second game in the first set.
Pressure back on Cobolli. This could be a quick one if the Italian doesn't hold his own early on.
Pressure (slightly) off Cobolli
His first game won in a Grand Slam final, Cobolli can breathe a slight sigh of relief as he fights back against Zverev.
However, the ball is very much still in his court (excuse the well worn pun) as he trails by one game which could make all the difference.
Let's see how this plays out.
Zverev leads 3 games to 1
Zverev looks calm and collected as he chalks up another game.
Pressure on the Italian's serve again as he trails 1-3. Cobolli is fighting for every point as he battles nerves and pressure in this final.
Zverev breaks a second service game
The Italian is struggling in this first set as Zverev wins another game, Cobolli's third service game.
He's in trouble now and in some ways maybe it would best to reset for the second set and come back stronger but he'll be playing every point to win.
Zverev leads 4-1.
The German picks up a fifth game win
Zverev leads 5-1, needing just to break Cobolli's serve or win his next service game to take the first set.
He looks inevitable for a first set win but can the Italian settle down for the remaining sets?
Zverev decisively claims the first set
Well, the writing was on the wall and Zverev claims victory in the first set in 35 minutes.
The crowd will be hoping for a bit more of a compelling subsequent sets but who knows if that will be possible to expect this of Cobolli.
Come on, Cobolli
Zverev takes his opening service game easily and now Cobolli will battle for every point to keep him going through his own service games.
He's made 17 unforced errors so far, let's hope he can make less to put the pressure back on the German.
So far, so good for the Italian's second set
While Cobolli is playing better this set, not yet dropping a service game, it does feel like he's on defence rather than attack.
This strategy will only get him so far unless he wants to enter three set tiebreakers. More brutal play will be the way to beat the German, take a page from his book.
Zverev leads the second set 2-1.
Zverev sweeping through his service game
The German has an incredible serve, helped by his tall stature, and he's making all his service games look effortless so far.
He's looking for a chink in Cobolli's armour when facing his friend's serve and you sense if the Italian lets up even a little, he'll see that second set within his grasp.
Zverev leads the second set 3-2.
First break point opportunity for Cobolli
Things are getting interesting!
Cobolli had a great opportunity for a breakpoint against Zverev and after a length 20+ shot rally he didn't manage to win it but it's a wakeup call for sure.
Cobolli break's Zverev's serve!
Don't write off the Italian!
Zverev had a rude awakening in this seventh game of the second set as Cobolli brought it to deuce four times - including two break points - which he eventually turned into his first win of a Zverev service game.
Don't get me wrong, he had to really work hard for it but now the pressure is on the German for the first game in the match.
Cobolli leads 4-3 in the second set.
Cobolli one game away from winning the second set
That's why we love tennis, you just can't predict what's going to happen.
It's fitting for one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent history that the final should reflect that too.
Can the Italian win either of the next games to match the German in sets?
Zverev holds on to his service game (just)
He may have not won Zverv's last service game but he's certainly won the crowd here at Roland-Garros by the sounds of it.
Cobolli made Zverev work hard once again for his serve but the Italian still has a chance to win a set in his own service game.
Cobolli leads the second set 5-4.
Cobolli wins the second set!
Strap in folks, we may have a long one ahead of us.
Cobolli rose to the challenge and after two lengthy Zverev service games managed to break his serve in a thrilling turnaround.
You can barely blame the Italian for struggling with his first set in his first final but let's remember that he did have to dig deep for those victorious games against Zverev.
Who will win this test of perseverance?
Zverev wins his first game
The German now has something to prove as he manages to secure the first game of the third set.
Rattled? Yes. Determined? More than ever.
Zverev feeling the heat
Scoring a double fault on his advantage point, Zverev looked like he was feeling the pressure a bit but he managed to secure another game in this all-important third set.
Zverev leads the set 2 games to 1 as Cobolli serves now.
Cobolli holds his nerve
Down two break points, Cobolli handled his nerve and brought it back to deuce and then a win.
Zverev should have taken advantage of this but the Italian was determined not to lose another service game and took it to 2-2 in the third set.
Set 3: 3-3
One set each and three games each in this third set.
It couldn't be any closer with these two players who on paper were looking like a clear winner with Zverev and an untested underdog with Cobolli.
Winning this set will be an important mental advantage for either player so all to play for...
Zverev wins his service set in style
A cheeky little dink over the net at an extreme angle that Cobolli can't return, that's how Zverev wins his last service game.
Again, no one dropping a game yet so maybe we'll see the first tiebreaker of the final. Pressure on Cobolli now to win his service set or Zverev will take the all-important third set.
Zverev leads 5-4 in the third set.
Zverev clinches a vital second set
It could've easily been a tiebreaker set but Zverev refused to let it go to chance.
For 43 minutes of this 46 minute set it really could have gone either way but in a final triumphant three minutes Zverev dominated Cobolli's service game.
Will the Italian come back strong?
Cobolli starts off strong in this fourth set
Breaking Zverev's serve and winning his own service game, the Italian is making a statement.
The German is now under pressure, shows you can't rest on your laurels too much even in a winning position.
Cobolli leads the fourth set 2-0.
Zverev breaks back and equalises!
Zverev didn't like being on the back foot this set after winning the last, but it only took a few points to change that.
The pendulum that is this match has swung back to favour Zverev but who know how long that will last.
Will the German turn things around and maybe be one step closer to victory?
Both players are equal on 3-3 in this fourth set.
A break serve...and then another break serve!
Minutes after Zverev breaks Cobolli's serve, Cobolli breaks Zverev serve!
You just can't call it at this point as it looks like it may go to five sets.
Cobolli leads 4 games to 3 in this fourth set.
Cobolli secures a fifth game...are we looking at five sets?
Looking to break Zverev's serve or win his next serving game, Cobolli could clinch this set as he leads 5-3.
It's lovely that both players have allowed the other to win the following set and maybe points to the inconsistency of their own play and the challenges they face against the other.
Don't go anywhere, and if you're not based in France or Australia unlock their free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free).
Zverev brings it back to 5-5
This could be a tiebreaker or if Zverev digs in it could be a winning fourth set for the German.
More dramatic is Zverev rushing off to his trainer to get some medication, an unprecedented measure considering the physio is right on court available, and for this he is given a time violation.
Let's see how this plays out...
Zverev a game away from victory!
The physio is on to help Zverev get over the line but he just needs to win this next service game of Cobolli to win the match!
Drama is not in short supply here.
Tiebreaker it is!
Wow, this is incredible.
The momentum has been constantly shifting but Cobolli held his nerve winning his service game and brings it to a tiebreaker to potentially decide the winner.
1-0 to Cobolli
A lovely shot behind Zverev as Cobolli scores the first point in a tiebreaker.
1-1
After the huge psychological advantage of winning the first point, Zverev manages to win the next.
Cobolli to serve.
Zverev leads 2-1
Zverev claims another point.
Worth mentioning here that the German has won 12 tiebreakers in a row at Roland-Garros so he's very much the favourite in this discipline.
3-1 to the German
Zverev has nerves of steel in a beautiful rally.
This will be a hell of a comeback if the Italian can pull it off but he'll have to work hard.
3-3, the Italian brings it back!
Cobolli claims two quick successive point to stop the bulldozing from the German.
Nail biting stuff.
Cobolli leads!
It's flipped around, after losing by two points - he's now won three successive points.
Will he continue?
Cobolli has a two point lead!
Five sets? I'm not sure I can cope with all this.
Cobolli has 1 set point!
Two set points up, Cobolli squanders an easy point but he has one more chance.
The Italian brings it to five sets!
Wow, nerves of steel from Cobolli.
He wins the tie breaker and breaks the German's streak of winning these at Roland-Garros.
Grab a drink and come back in a few minutes for the conclusive final act.
2 sets each and one final set left to play.
Cobolli defies the odds
You've got to hand it to the underdog, he's playing an absolute blinder.
If you've placed a bet on the Italian you could be looking at a very tasty payout. Let's check in with that later.
He's a game down with Zverev having broken his serving game but the way it's been back and forth you just don't know.
Zverev has the clear advantage
Fifth set it may be but if Cobolli doesn't respond to Zverev's 2-0 lead then it'll be over quickly.
Some great points but a few unforced hours, to be expected after nearly hours hours of play from both.
Zverev leads 2-0 in the final set.
It's the beginning of the end
Zverev has silenced the critics in this final set.
He's not let his Italian opponent have a single game, fighting to the bitter end for every point. He wants this.
Zverev leads 4-0 in this final decisive set.
One game separates Zverev from his first Grand Slam title
Zverev needs to gather all his strength for the next few minutes to seal the deal on this final set.
5-1 to Zverev and all he needs his one more game.
Zverev wins the men's single French Open 2026 title!
Immediately breaking down in tears, Zverev has finally achieved what he's always wanted: a Grand Slam title.
Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, the German player was very much seen as one of the great players to never have won a Grand Slam title.
And congratulations to Cobolli for putting up a hell of a fight compared to the bloodbath that people thought it would be.
Final score for Zverev/Cobolli: 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-1.
The moment Zverev won
The moment Zverev lifts his first Grand Slam trophy
That's all folks!
Well, that's it for this year's French Open!
Zverev won his first Grand Slam in an emotional victory, but Cobolli put up a hell of a fight over 4 hours. All in all, a great end to a thrilling tournament.
I'm going to get some food and rest after seven hours of reporting. I've been Dan, thanks for reading and until next time!
