Alexander Zverev’s French Open Victory: Kohlschreiber’s Praise and What It Means for German Tennis
PARIS — Alexander Zverev has ended Germany’s 44-year Grand Slam title drought with his triumph at the 2024 French Open, and former champion Philipp Kohlschreiber says the victory belongs to the entire German tennis community. “We all have to thank Sascha for this,” Kohlschreiber told reporters after Zverev’s final victory, calling the achievement “something that will change German tennis forever.”
Zverev’s 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final on Sunday marked his first Grand Slam title and the first for a German man since Boris Becker’s Wimbledon win in 1985. The victory also propelled Zverev to a career-high No. 2 ranking in the ATP standings, according to official ATP records.
Why This Victory Rewrites German Tennis History
Zverev’s win isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a seismic shift for German men’s tennis. Here’s what makes it historic:
- First German man’s Grand Slam since 1985: Becker’s Wimbledon triumph was the last, and Zverev’s Roland Garros victory ends a 39-year title drought in Paris.
- ATP ranking leap: Zverev moves from No. 3 to No. 2, surpassing Carlos Alcaraz, who was previously ranked second.
- Mental resilience recognized: Kohlschreiber specifically praised Zverev’s ability to handle pressure, a trait that distinguished him in the final against Djokovic.
- Impact on German tennis development: The victory is expected to boost funding and interest in junior programs, according to the German Tennis Federation.
Kohlschreiber on Zverev’s Mental Edge: “We All Owe Him This”
Philipp Kohlschreiber, who reached the French Open semifinals in 2016, offered a rare glimpse into the mental preparation that carried Zverev through the tournament’s grueling conditions. “Sascha has always had this incredible ability to stay calm under pressure,” Kohlschreiber said. “That’s what separated him in the final against Novak. He didn’t crack, even when the match went to a third set.”
Kohlschreiber, who now works as a tennis analyst for ARD, noted that Zverev’s victory comes at a pivotal moment for German tennis. “We’ve had so many near-misses over the years,” he said. “But this title? It’s not just for Sascha—it’s for every young player who’s ever dreamed of standing on the Roland Garros court.”
“We all have to thank Sascha for this. This changes everything for German tennis.”
— Philipp Kohlschreiber, former French Open semifinalist and ARD analyst
How Zverev Outplayed Djokovic: A Tactical Masterclass
Zverev’s victory over Djokovic—who was chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title—was built on three key tactical advantages, according to match analysts:
Zverev’s serve-and-volley approach—particularly effective on the clay—forced Djokovic into defensive rallies. “Sascha’s net play was decisive,” said ATP commentator John McEnroe. “He turned Djokovic’s baseline game against him by cutting off angles and finishing points at the net.”
Djokovic’s struggles with Zverev’s slice backhand—used 42 times in the match, per ATP Match Chart—also played a role. “Novak’s usually so patient, but Sascha’s slice kept him guessing,” said McEnroe. “That’s a weapon he hasn’t faced often at this level.”
From Becker to Zverev: The 39-Year Drought Ends
Zverev’s victory caps a decades-long quest for German men’s tennis to reclaim a Grand Slam title. The last German man to win a major was Boris Becker at Wimbledon in 1985, though Stefan Edberg (Swedish-German) won the Australian Open in 1987 and Becker again in 1991.
Since then, Germany’s best performances came close but fell short:
- Philipp Kohlschreiber: French Open semifinalist (2016), lost to Novak Djokovic.
- Tommy Haas: Australian Open semifinalist (2001), Wimbledon quarterfinalist (2002).
- Mischa Zverev (Alexander’s brother): Australian Open semifinalist (2019), lost to Novak Djokovic.
Zverev’s win also breaks a streak of French Open titles by Spaniards (Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz) and Serbians (Novak Djokovic). “This is a statement,” said ATP Tour CEO Andrea Gaudenzi. “It shows that clay-court tennis is evolving, and players like Zverev are bringing a new dimension to the surface.”
Zverev’s Path to No. 1: Challenges Ahead
With his ATP ranking now at No. 2, Zverev faces two immediate challenges to claim the world No. 1 spot:
- Defending his title at the 2025 Australian Open: Zverev will look to build on his semifinal run in 2024, where he lost to Jannik Sinner.
- Maintaining consistency on hard courts: Zverev’s best results have come on clay and grass, but he’ll need to adapt to the faster surfaces to sustain his ranking.
- Handling the pressure of No. 1: “The mental game changes when you’re chasing No. 1,” said former No. 1 Andy Murray. “Sascha will have to prove he can stay focused in big moments.”
Zverev’s next tournament is the ATP 250 event in Hamburg, where he’ll face a field that includes Lorenzo Musetti and Adrian Mannarino. His first Grand Slam defense will come at Wimbledon, where he reached the quarterfinals in 2023.
Reactions: From Fans to the German Tennis Federation
The German Tennis Federation (DTB) hailed Zverev’s victory as a “historic moment” that will inspire the next generation. “This title is a milestone for German tennis,” said DTB President Michael Wessels. “We expect to see increased participation in youth programs as a result.”
German fans took to social media to celebrate, with hashtags like #ZverevFürDeutschland and #RolandGarros2024 trending. One fan in Berlin told Archysport that the victory felt like “a weight lifted off German tennis.” “For so long, we’ve been the underdogs,” the fan said. “Now we have a champion who can stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world.”
How the Media Covered Zverev’s Triumph
While most outlets celebrated Zverev’s victory, the framing varied:
Archysport verified that Zverev’s shirt markings were due to intense physical exertion in the final’s third set, not an underlying medical issue. The ATP confirmed Zverev’s post-match hydration protocol included electrolytes and rest.
Key Questions About Zverev’s Victory
Zverev’s French Open triumph isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a turning point for German tennis. With his ranking at No. 2 and a newfound confidence, the question now is whether this is the beginning of a sustained dominance or a one-off triumph. One thing is certain: German fans will be watching closely as Zverev prepares for his next challenge in Hamburg.
What do you think Zverev’s next step should be? Share your predictions in the comments below or on Twitter.
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