'Knowing What You Had To Endure...': Djokovic Lauds Zverev After Maiden Grand Slam Title

Published 8 June 2026 · sports

'Knowing What You Had To Endure...': Djokovic Lauds Zverev After Maiden Grand Slam Title Published By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 20:15 IST Djokovic showered

'Knowing What You Had To Endure...': Djokovic Lauds Zverev After Maiden Grand Slam Title Published By, Last Updated: June 08, 2026, 20:15 IST Djokovic showered praise on the German who battled through diabetes to get his hands one his first major crown, and added that seeing the 29-year-old in tears of joy moved him. Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic. (X) Alexander Zverev clinched his first Grand Slam crown by defeating Flavio Cobolli in the final of the 2026 French Open on Sunday, prevailing 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6(5)-7, 6-1 in a thrilling five-set contest. Novak Djokovic, lauded the German who battled through diabetes to get his hands one his first major crown, and added that seeing the 29-year-old in tears of joy moved him.

“Sasha, I have known you since you were 10 years old. You were battling on the practice courts with my youngest brother while I was competing against your older brother, Mischa, on the big stage in both junior and pro circuit." “I’ve nurtured a respectful and friendly relationship with your entire family for many years. We had countless conversations on tennis tactics, strategic plays, life, family, business. We had fun time on and off the court." “Knowing what you had to endure with your illness since the young age, overcoming the greatest mental hurdle within yourself and shutting down critics who thought you would never win GS, makes this Grand Slam win even more special and memorable." “Seeing the tears of joy you had together with your parents, brother and other team members made me emotional.

I’m happy that you made it and you absolutely deserve this success because you have worked so hard on every front to make it happen. Enjoy it and молодец брат," Djokovic concluded. Zverev struck first to take the opening set, but Cobolli responded by claiming the second to level the contest. The German edged the third set, only for Cobolli to force a decider by winning a fourth-set tie-break. Zverev dominated the fifth set to finally secure his long-awaited Grand Slam trophy. With this triumph, Zverev became the first German man since Boris Becker to win a Grand Slam title since 1966, and the first male player from Germany ever to lift the Roland Garros trophy.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: France First Published: June 08, 2026, 20:15 IST News sports tennis 'Knowing What You Had To Endure...': Djokovic Lauds Zverev After Maiden Grand Slam Title Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...