Zverev relishes French Open final clash with friend Cobolli

Alexander Zverev is set to compete in his fourth Grand Slam final against Flavio Cobolli at the French Open, a match that carries a personal dimension due to their developing friendship. Zverev reached the final by defeating Jakub Mensik, while Cobolli advanced after his opponent, Matteo Arnaldi, withdrew due to illness.

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We got closer at the Laver Cup in 2024 in Berlin. Sometimes when there were difficult moments, his father used to come up to me and would ask me questions. He would ask my father questions about tennis, about different things.

Zverev spoke about the origins of his connection with Cobolli, which began at the Laver Cup. He noted that Cobolli's father played a role in their bond, engaging in conversations about tennis with Zverev's father. This mutual respect has extended into their on-court rivalry, with Zverev holding a 3-1 lead.

"He's a great player and a great guy," Zverev said of Cobolli. "I look forward to playing him in the final. Of course, it's his first final, I'm happy for him that he reached it. But yeah, the only thing I can control is that I play good tennis. I'll try to show my level."

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He's a great player and a great guy. I look forward to playing him in the final. Of course, it's his first final, I'm happy for him that he reached it. But yeah, the only thing I can control is that I play good tennis. I'll try to show my level.

Despite Cobolli having a fresher semi-final due to Arnaldi's withdrawal, Zverev dismissed concerns about a disadvantage. He stated he felt fit and capable of playing immediately, emphasizing that such circumstances are unfortunate but part of the sport. Zverev also reflected on his previous Grand Slam final loss, expressing confidence in his ability to return to that stage, having maintained a high world ranking.

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I feel fine. I didn't have brutally long matches. I feel like I could play again now.

"I feel like I can get back to those stages, and I do feel like I'll get back to the stages throughout the entire period," Zverev commented. "I didn't play well last year ... but I felt like I was going to find it again. I'm happy to be back at this stage."

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It's not been that long. It was last year. Throughout most of the time I was either number two or number three in the world. So I do feel like I can get back to those stages, and I do feel like I'll get back to the stages throughout the entire period.