Zverev refuses coach bonus after $3.2m French Open – Sports News
Alexander Zverev spoke after successful the French Open closing (Image: TNT Sports)
Alexander Zverev playfully quipped that his coach would not be receiving a bonus following his victory within the 2026 French Open closing. Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 within the marquee occasion at Roland-Garros to cement his place in tennis historical past.
The Hamburg-born star was overcome with emotion after claiming the title, collapsing to the ground and breaking down in tears. Once he had composed himself, Zverev took to the stage on Court Philippe-Chatrier to precise his heartfelt appreciation to those that had supported him all through his journey.
During his on-court interview, Zverev lightheartedly joked that his coach — who additionally occurs to be his father — would not be pocketing a bonus for his efforts. The 29-year-old stated, “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 additionally, 29 years. I am unable to get rid of him both. I’ve my bodily coach who we’ve got been working with since 2014, since I used to be 16 years outdated. That can be in all probability one of the longest relationships on tour. I want to thank him as nicely. My best good friend, who has been within the box for additionally over 10 years. One of essentially the most important people for me as a result of he retains me blissful, which may be very tough 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.”
Alexander Zverev is a Grand Slam champion (Image: Getty)
Back in 2022, Zverev needed to be faraway from the court docket in a wheelchair during his semi-final conflict in opposition to Rafael Nadal after tearing ligaments in his ankle. The newly-crowned French Open champion mirrored on his previous disappointment after claiming the title in Paris, stating: “This court is so special to me in so many ways. I’ve had the best moments of my life on these courts.
“I’ve had the worst second of my life on these courts. I used to be enjoying on that nook over there 4 years in the past with seven damaged ligaments and two fractured bones. I misplaced a grand slam closing right here two years in the past. But now lastly it is a blissful finish.
“Thank you very much to the crowd. I really felt like the crowd was pushing me the entire two weeks. Without you guys I definitely wouldn’t have won the tournament. Thank you very much.”
Flavio Corbolli completed as runner-up to Alexander Zverev (Image: Getty)
Regarding his opponent, Zverev commented, “Well, 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 additionally need to congratulate the workforce as a result of, for me, it’s one of the nicest groups on tour. Papa [Stefano Cobolli] you’re 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.”
Alexander Zverev could not conceal his feelings after successful the French Open (Image: Getty)
Zverev had been on this place earlier than, but by no means managed to seal the deal. Three prior Grand Slam closing losses had taken their toll on the German, who stepped onto the court docket for the 2026 French Open closing realizing it represented arguably his best shot at glory, with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic all having both been eradicated or absent from the draw.
He could not have requested for a higher opening, storming to an early benefit by claiming the primary set 6-1. A swift conclusion gave the impression to be on the playing cards at Court Philippe-Chatrier, however Cobolli rallied to say the second. Zverev was pushed to the ultimate recreation of the third set earlier than securing it, and the fourth proved even more elusive, with Cobolli snatching it in a tiebreak.
With the match pressured into a deciding fifth set, Zverev will need to have been haunted by recollections of his earlier Grand Slam closing heartbreaks. This time, nonetheless, fortune favored the world No. 3, who shifted into one other gear to say the set, the match, and the championship title.
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