Article by Roxana Fleşeru – Published Friday, 05 June 2026 21:14 / Updated Friday, 05 June 2026 21:25
Alexander Zverev (29 years old, 3 ATP) came to the press conference after Matteo Arnaldi announced his retirement. The German, who is in his fourth Grand Slam final, spoke about the friendship he has with Flavio Cobolli (24 years old, 14 ATP).
Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli are the two finalists of this edition of Roland Garros. The German defeated Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli benefited from the abandonment of Matteo Arnaldi, caused by a virus.
The world number three came to the press conference after the announcement and spoke about Arnaldi's retirement: “I think this is not the way you want a Grand Slam semi-final to play out, but I also saw Matteo in the dressing room and he looked terrible. I understand him. He didn't have much to do. Such things happen. We are all human. We don't want it to happen, but it happens”, a Zverev said. He is of the opinion that he is not tired and thinks that it is not a problem that Flavio Cobolli is more rested.
Cobolli-Zverev, a friendship that started in 2024
The 14th player in the world had revealed at the press conference held together with Matteo Arnaldi that he and Alexander Zverev have a friendly relationship. The German was asked about this aspect.
“We came close at the Laver Cup in 2024 in Berlin. That's when we became close for the first time. Then, at certain difficult times, his father would come to me and ask me questions. He also asked my father about tennis and various other things. I was always happy to chat with him. I think that's when it all started. With some people the relationship continues naturally, and with Flavio this is exactly what happened”, a recounted Zverev.
He continued: “He's an excellent player and an amazing man. I like him very much. I also like his father very much. For me, they're two very, very good people. I can't wait to play against him in the final. Of course, it's his first final, so I'm happy for him that he's made it this far. But the only thing I can control is to play good tennis. I'll try to show my level, do things right and play as well as possible. That's all that matters to me.”
3-1 is the scoredirect meetings between Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli
What's it like to play in a Grand Slam final against a friend? “I think when you play a Grand Slam final it's not that difficult, because it means you've reached the highest stage of tennis. You've come as far as you can and it's nice to share that moment. Of course, you're still trying to beat him and win, but that's normal. For me, he's just a very nice person. He has a good soul. He's extremely funny if you get to know him. I also like his father, who is also very funny. Yeah, it's a type of thing,” Zverev said.
Alexander Zverev: “I always felt that I would get here again”
Alexander Zverev will contest his fourth Grand Slam final, after the 2020 US Open, when he was defeated by Dominic Thiem, the 2024 Roland Garros, when he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz, and the 2025 Australian Open, when he was defeated by Jannik Sinner.
“It hasn't been that long. It was last year, so we're not talking about a very long time. For most of that time I was either No. 2 or No. 3 in the world. So I always felt that I could come back to these stages of the tournaments and that I would get here again. I didn't play well last year. I wasn't playing my best tennis, but I felt that I would find it. Of course, I'm happy to be back in this stage of the competition.”
