Alexander Zverev ended his long wait for a Grand Slam title by winning the 2024 French Open, finally breaking through a psychological barrier that had defined his career for years. The German, who had reached three previous Grand Slam finals without success, described the victory as “the only thing that matters” in his post-match interview. “Sometimes we’ve been losers in the big moments. Now we are champions, and that’s what counts,” he said, holding the Coupe des Mousquetaires.
Zverev’s triumph in Paris marked a pivotal shift in his career, transitioning him from “the best player without a Grand Slam” to a member of an elite group of champions. However, the psychological weight of his previous near-misses—three Grand Slam final losses—had long overshadowed his achievements. “Being a candidate and never achieving it is one of the biggest psychological challenges in elite sports,” said Yolanda Cuevas, a sports psychologist quoted in ABC. “Athletes often conflate their identity with their results, leading to self-doubt and emotional burnout.”
The 26-year-old’s path to victory was far from straightforward. In the French Open final against Flavio Cobolli, Zverev faced a test of mental resilience, with Cobolli briefly threatening to take the match. “The ghosts didn’t stop controlling my emotions during the final,” Zverev admitted. “But I found the strength to stay composed, and the opponent’s morale dipped at the right moment.” His win not only secured his first Grand Slam but also erased years of frustration, as he reflected: “Now I know I can do it. I’ve lived it.”
The Psychological Shift
Zverev’s victory in Paris was not just a sporting milestone but a psychological breakthrough. For years, he carried the label of “eternal candidate,” a phrase that often felt more like a curse than a compliment. “When an athlete repeatedly approaches success without achieving it, they risk internalizing failure,” Cuevas explained. “Each loss can feel like a personal indictment, eroding confidence and creating a self-fulfilling cycle of doubt.”
Zverev’s experience mirrors that of other elite athletes who have grappled with the pressure of unmet expectations. Garbiñe Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion, described the emotional toll of losing eight major finals before finally winning the 2016 French Open. “Until you achieve it, you don’t feel secure in your own abilities,” she said. “Now I know I belong among the champions.” Similarly, Casper Ruud, who won his first ATP 500 title in 2023 after 11 final losses, emphasized the importance of redefining success beyond results. “I learned to value effort, preparation, and resilience over just the outcome,” he said.
For Zverev, the shift began during the French Open. “The pressure of being a favorite was different this time,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to prove anything to myself or others. I was just competing.” This mindset, cultivated through years of mental training, allowed him to approach the final with a newfound sense of freedom. “It’s not just about winning the title,” he added. “It’s about answering the question: ‘Am I capable?’ When you do, the doubt starts to fade.”
Other Players’ Journeys
Zverev’s story is part of a broader narrative in tennis, where many players have faced similar struggles before breaking through. Alejandro Davidovich, who won his first ATP 250 title in 2024 after five final losses, echoed Zverev’s sentiment. “Gaining a title became almost a necessity, so the relief was greater than the joy,” Davidovich said. “But the process taught me that success is not just about the trophy—it’s about the growth along the way.”
Marcel Granollers, a doubles specialist, provides another example of how perseverance pays off. After losing his first five Grand Slam finals, he finally won the 2024 French Open with partner Horacio Zeballos. “The journey itself was the reward,” Granollers said. “The victories that followed—the US Open in 2025 and Roland Garros in 2026—were the result of that initial breakthrough.”
The psychological challenges of repeated near-misses are not unique to Zverev. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, a four-time Grand Slam champion, lost eight major finals before finding success. “The pressure of expectations can be overwhelming,” she said. “But once you achieve it, the perspective changes. You stop seeing yourself as a ‘what if’ and start embracing who you are.”
What’s Next for Zverev?
Zverev’s immediate focus is on Wimbledon, where he begins his campaign on Monday, July 29, against Alexander Blockx. The tournament marks a new chapter in his career, one where the pressure of maintaining his Grand Slam status will be a new challenge. “Now the question is, ‘What if I don’t win again?’” Cuevas said. “That’s a different kind of pressure, but it’s also a sign of growth.”
