Mirra Andreeva and Alexander Zverev were crowned first-time Grand Slam champions on a dramatic final weekend at the French Open.
Eighth seed Andreeva defeated 114th-ranked Polish qualifier Maja Chwalińska 6-3 6-2, ending the latter’s spectacular run in dominant fashion.
In doing so, the Russian became the youngest female Grand Slam singles champion since Monica Seles, who was 18 when she won at Roland-Garros in 1992.
Second seed Zverev claimed a long-awaited victory in his fourth Grand Slam final, overcoming 14th seed Flavio Cobolli 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 in a topsy-turvy match.
Zverev is the first German man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Boris Becker at the Australian Open in 1996, with Germany’s last French Open champion being Henner Henkel in 1937.
Andreeva seals ‘big dream’
“You’re a very tricky opponent – wouldn’t want to play you one more time. No, it’s okay. I hope we play many more finals in the future,” Andreeva stated to Chwalińska post-match.
“It was a big dream of mine to win this tournament. I can’t believe that I’m holding this trophy.
“I want to thank myself for believing in myself, giving 100 per cent even when it’s been tough, trying everyday to be better as a person and a player, believing I can do this, fighting so many demons inside of me.
“Only I know how tough it was for me and how nervous I was these past two weeks, so thanks to me for working so hard and giving my best.”
Chwalińska admitted to being second-best throughout the contest, saying: “Congratulations to Mirra – such an incredible player, so young and so talented, it’s so annoying.
“Congratulations to your team as well for an amazing job, and all the best for the future.
“I wish we could see a better match today, but Mirra is too good, so I guess it’s her fault. I tried my best. I’m sorry.
“I will never forget these three weeks – Paris will forever be in my heart. Merci.”
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Zverev lauds ‘happy end’
“This court is so special to me in so many ways,” Zverev explained during the trophy ceremony.
“I have had the best moments of my life on this court and the worst moment of my life on these courts.
“I was laying in the corner four years ago over there with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones.
“I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago, but now, finally, it is a happy end.”
Cobolli congratulated the German, saying: “I want to start with you, Alex. If someone asked me who deserves this title, I always said you.
“It has been an honour to share the court with you today. I am happy for you, but I am also sad as I was close and I felt it.
“Now that you have achieved your dream, let me win next time.”
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Henman praises ‘phenomenal achievement’
Former world number four Tim Henman praised Zverev, telling TNT Sports: “He was carrying that baggage from early in the first week when so many of the big names were losing and there were no other Grand Slam champions in the draw.
“This was his opportunity and this was his to lose. He got all the way through to the final.
“We talked about stats, the match-up, game styles, and that fifth set had absolutely nothing to do with that – it was about hunger and desire and the will to win.
“For him to get over the finish line to get to be a Grand Slam champion, you could see and hear the relief in his voice. A phenomenal achievement.”
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Liam McLaughlan