Paris, May 30, 2025 — Germany’s Alexander Zverev delivered a statement victory in his opening match at the French Open 2025, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, to advance to the second round of the Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
Entering the tournament as the No. 4 seed, Zverev showcased why he remains one of the top contenders for the title this year. The 27-year-old German wasted no time asserting control on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, blending aggressive baseline play with sharp serving and strategic shot-making to dismantle Cobolli’s resistance in under two hours.
Dominant Start for Zverev at Roland Garros 2025
Zverev, who is looking to capture his maiden Grand Slam title, looked sharp from the outset, breaking Cobolli early in the first set and never looking back. His serve was on point, firing 10 aces and winning over 80% of his first-serve points. The German also kept unforced errors to a minimum, showcasing the mental focus that has defined his successful clay-court season so far.
“It feels great to be back in Paris,” Zverev said during his post-match interview. “The French Open is one of my favorite tournaments, and I’m happy with the way I started today. Flavio is a talented player and I knew I had to be at my best.”
Cobolli Shows Potential Despite Defeat
Flavio Cobolli, just 22 years old and making only his second appearance in the French Open main draw, entered the match as the underdog but demonstrated moments of promise. The Italian fought hard in the rallies and showed glimpses of flair, particularly with his topspin-heavy forehand, but struggled to match Zverev’s pace and depth across the three sets.
While the loss ends Cobolli’s run early, the experience of playing on a major stage against a top-five opponent will no doubt fuel his development on the ATP Tour.
What’s Next for Alexander Zverev?
Zverev now advances to the second round of the 2025 French Open, where he will face the winner of the match between a qualifier and a wildcard entrant. With key rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic also eyeing the title, Zverev’s impressive start sends a strong signal to the rest of the field.
Having reached the semifinals in Paris three years in a row, including a heartbreaking loss in 2022 against Rafael Nadal, Zverev appears more determined than ever to make this his breakthrough year.
French Open 2025: A Tournament of Big Stakes
As the 2025 Roland Garros tournament gets underway, all eyes remain on the top seeds. With Nadal absent, and younger stars rapidly rising in the rankings, this year’s edition promises thrilling battles and potential surprises. Zverev’s clinical performance in the first round solidifies his reputation as a genuine title contender.