'We used to be losers, now we're Grand Slam champions': Zverev basks in French Open glory

[p][b]"We've ‌been through so much through injuries, through heartbreak, through losses,"[/b] an emotional [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zverev-alexander/dGbUhw9m/"]Zverev[/a] told his team ‌during the trophy ceremony after defeating Italy's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/cobolli-flavio/zDtaCcPe/"]Flavio Cobolli[/a] in the ‌French Open final.[/p][p][b]"We've been losers at some moments, but we're Grand Slam champions now. ‌That's what counts."[/b][/p][p]The German's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/tennis/cobolli-f-zDtaCcPe/zverev-a-dGbUhw9m/?mid=b94RLVkm"]6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1[/a] triumph completed one ‌of the sport's most arduous journeys to a major title.[/p][embed guid="d914adb5-f1f3-432e-a25b-8b1b869132a5" url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfxpIK_TvEQ" social-type="youtube" /][p]Four years after leaving Roland Garros in a wheelchair with seven broken bones in his foot and two years after suffering ‌the agony of being beaten in the Paris ⁠final by Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev finally ‌claimed the trophy that had long eluded him.[/p][p]The 29-year-old paid tribute to the team that ​had remained by his side through the setbacks, joking that he could not get rid of either his father, who has coached ​him throughout his career, or his brother Mischa. He also thanked his physical trainer, who has worked with him since 2014.[/p][p][b]"I probably have the longest-lasting ⁠team and coach on the ​tour," [/b]he said.[/p][p]Zverev also reserved warm words for Cobolli, whose breakthrough fortnight ended one win short of a dream first Grand Slam title.[/p][p][b]"From the bottom of my heart, I hope you lift this trophy very soon,"[/b] Zverev told the Italian. [b]"You're ‌one of the best people on tour."[/b][/p][p]Cobolli praised Zverev after spending a few minutes trying to digest the five-set loss.[/p][p][b]"I'm happy for you but I'm also sad because I was close and I feel it now that you (have) achieved your dream, let me win the next time,"[/b] the Italian said before his compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win Roland Garros in 1976, handed the Musketeers Cup to Zverev.[/p][embed guid="0e905aed-6d2d-4dd7-b3f4-7ba09a436791" url="https://x.com/atptour/status/2063684863090139199" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"It's been the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV, not you Adriano because ‌I wasn't born but it's been a privilege and an honour to ​have you here. I felt a little pressure on my side, it's ‌always tough to play in front of you."[/b][/p][p]Cobolli also thanked his blue-clad supporters.[/p][p][b]"I wanna say thanks to the blue wall behind me. I cannot look at you otherwise I'll cry," [/b]he said.[/p][p][b]"I just wanna ask you one thing: so I wanna see all the smiles from you ⁠guys because it's been fantastic to ⁠be with you. Thank you for ‌coming. My mum is still alive so I'm happy."[/b][/p]