Flavio Cobolli, champion’s reaction in Roland Garros final against Zverev
The Roland Garros final changes face after a start that seemed destined to turn into a monologue by Alexander Zverev. The German dominated the first set 6-1, but Flavio Cobolli found the strength to fight back and won the second partial 6-4, bringing the match back into perfect balance after 1h35′ of play.
The start was all uphill for the Roman. The excitement of the first Slam final of his career sets in and already in the opening game Cobolli faces several break points. After more than eight minutes of struggle, Zverev breaks serve and immediately steers the set to his side. The German is not flawless on serve, but from the back court he appears more solid and polished. Cobolli, on the other hand, accumulates free errors and struggles to take control of the exchanges. The second break comes in the fifth game, when the Roman continues to concede too much with his forehand. At 4-1, the match already seemed to be taking a definite direction.
Despite a few empty passes by the German, the Italian failed to take advantage of the opportunities he was given. Zverev manages the lead without any particular problems and closes the first set 6-1 with a winning forehand that certifies his superiority. The beginning of the second partial, however, tells a different story. Cobolli enters the court with more conviction, begins to push more with his forehand and, above all, regains confidence in his backhand longline. The first games flow without any particular jolt, with both players effective on their service turns.
The turning point comes at 3-3. Zverev, until then almost unassailable, concedes a few too many. Cobolli responds aggressively, increases the pressure and finally manages to put the German in trouble. Between free errors and double faults, the German number one ends up giving up his serve, giving the Italian the 4-3 break. This is the moment that changes the inertia of the final. Cobolli immediately confirms the lead thanks to a serve played with great personality, enhanced by a winning forehand and some spectacular solutions that ignite the audience.
Zverev tries to fight back and in the ninth game manages to cancel a set point, shortening it to 5-4. The Roman, however, does not let the missed opportunity affect him. When it comes time to serve for the set, he shows surprising maturity. A heavy ace brings him closer to the finish line, while a magnificent backhand forehand on 40-15 is symbolic of his growth during the match. On the deciding point Zverev misses a backhand volley that is all but impossible and delivers the partial to the Italian.
