Zverev clinches French Open title, cementing his rise from controversy to Grand Slam champion

Alexander Zverev lifted the trophy at the French Open on Sunday, defeating rising American Ben Shelton in straight sets to claim his first Grand Slam title. The victory came in his third consecutive major final after a runner‑up finish at Wimbledon and a loss at the US Open the previous year.

A historic win in Paris

The win not only gives the 29‑year‑old his maiden major, it also propels him to world number two in the ATP Tour rankings, tightening the race at the top of men’s tennis. For a player who has been under intense scrutiny, from a career‑threatening ankle injury in 2022 to ongoing legal disputes, the triumph signals a decisive shift in his narrative.

Beyond the trophy

Born in Germany to parents who were elite Soviet‑era players, Zverev grew up idolising Roger Federer and was earmarked for stardom early on. He first reached a Grand Slam final at the 2020 US Open, where he fell to Dominic Thiem after squandering a two‑set lead. A serious ankle ligament tear suffered against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2022 forced a lengthy lay‑off and surgery.

For me, my family is everything and I owe them a lot for helping me to become the tennis player that I am today.

Legal battles have also shadowed his career. Allegations of domestic violence from two former partners led to a German court fine in 2023; the case was settled in June 2024, just before his French Open semi‑final. Despite the turbulence, Zverev has added a gold medal from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he upset Novak Djokovic and beat Karen Khachanov in the final.

Looking ahead, Zverev will aim to add another major at the upcoming Australian Open, where he faces a field that includes Jannik Sinner and the rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz. A second Grand Slam would cement his place among the era’s elite and could see him challenge for the world No 1 spot later this season.