Zverev beats Cobolli and wins 1st Grand Slam of his career at Roland Garros
Alexander Zverev is, finally, a Grand Slam champion. This Sunday (7), the German defeated the Italian Flavio Cobolli by 3 sets to 2, with partials of 6/1, 4/6, 6/4, 6/7 (5) and 6/1, in an exciting final lasting 4h15, to win the Roland Garros title for the first time in his career.
World number 3, Zverev started the decision at an overwhelming pace. Dominant in serving and aggressive in ball exchanges, the German managed two service breaks and closed the first set in just 35 minutes, without giving his opponent a chance.
The match, however, changed its outlook in the second half. Cobolli started to find more depth in his strikes, put pressure on his rival's serve and managed a decisive break to tie the match. The Italian confirmed the reaction by closing the set at 6/4 and restoring balance in the final.
In the third set, both tennis players maintained a high level in service games, but Zverev took advantage of the most important opportunity of the end. With a break in the last game, the German won 6/4 and was once again ahead on the scoreboard.
When he seemed to be heading towards victory, Zverev saw Cobolli grow again. The Italian took the lead in the fourth set, suffered a reaction from the German in the final stretch, but showed personality in the tie-break. Despite wasting a set point, Cobolli remained firm and closed the tiebreaker 7-5, taking the decision to the fifth set.
In the most decisive moment of the match, Zverev regained control. In the opening game, the German managed a break of service and began to command the actions. With consistent strikes from deep court and taking advantage of his opponent's mistakes, he took a 3-0 lead and extended the lead with another break.
Cobolli also confirmed a game to avoid the "tire", but was unable to react. Zverev remained calm with his own serves, saved important break points and managed a large advantage until breaking the Italian's serve again in the seventh game of the decisive set.
With the 6/1 victory in the final section, the German ended a long wait and won the first Grand Slam of his career.
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Source: CNN