On a sun-drenched Saturday at Roland Garros, May 31, 2025, the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier buzzed with anticipation as World No. 3 Alexander Zverev faced off against the rising Italian star Flavio Cobolli in a gripping third-round match of the French Open. The clash, a first-ever meeting between the two, promised high stakes and intense competition, with Zverev aiming to solidify his status as a title contender and Cobolli looking to capitalize on his breakout clay-court season.
Zverev, the 2024 French Open finalist, wasted no time asserting his dominance. From the opening game, he broke Cobolli’s serve with a blend of precision and power, setting the tone for a match that showcased his clay-court prowess. The German’s commanding presence was evident as he unleashed a barrage of powerful serves, a hallmark of his game that has seen him win 77.5% of his service games on clay this year. His ability to dictate play from the baseline forced Cobolli into defensive positions early, with the Italian struggling to counter Zverev’s relentless aggression.
“It was a good start to the tournament,” Zverev had said earlier in the week after his first-round victory, and his confidence carried into this match. Despite a shaky second-round performance where he dropped the opening set to Jesper de Jong, Zverev appeared dialed in against Cobolli. His 90% first-serve win percentage from his opening match against Learner Tien was on display, as he peppered the court with 11 aces across his first two rounds, a stat that underscored his serving dominance.
Cobolli, ranked No. 26 and riding a wave of confidence from his two clay-court titles in Hamburg and Bucharest earlier this year, showed flashes of brilliance. His aggressive baseline game, which had dismantled Marin Čilić in straight sets and outlasted Matteo Arnaldi in a four-set battle, kept Zverev on his toes. In the second set, Cobolli found his rhythm, breaking Zverev’s serve to take a 4-2 lead, as the Italian’s pinpoint forehand passing shots and deft volleys electrified the crowd. “Flavio remains lucido,” one observer noted, praising Cobolli’s composure under pressure as he fought to level the match.
However, Zverev’s experience and mental fortitude shone through. After dropping the first set 6-2, Cobolli pushed the second set to a tiebreaker, but Zverev’s clutch play prevailed, securing a 2-0 set lead. “Zverev wins the second set tie-breaker from Flavio Cobolli and now leads 2-0 on sets,” the stadium announcer declared, as the German’s powerful serves and net play forced errors from his opponent. Cobolli, undeterred, scrambled to save two match points in the third set, showcasing the tenacity that has marked his 2025 season, where he boasts a 15-5 record on clay.
Despite Cobolli’s spirited resistance, Zverev’s consistency proved too much. The German’s ability to adapt, honed by chasing down dozens of drop shots against de Jong in the previous round, allowed him to counter Cobolli’s varied tactics. By the third set, Zverev was “smashing up Cobolli,” as one commentator vividly described, capitalizing on his opponent’s 52% first-serve percentage to secure crucial break points. The match culminated with Zverev serving out the victory, advancing to the round of 16 in a display of resilience and skill.
For Cobolli, the loss marked the end of a valiant run, but his performance underscored his potential as a future star. With a 12-4 clay record this year and a career-high ranking, the Italian’s aggressive style and mental toughness suggest he’ll be a force in future Grand Slams. For Zverev, the win bolsters his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title, a goal that has eluded him despite four consecutive French Open semifinals and last year’s final appearance. As he eyes a deep run in Paris, Zverev’s blend of power, precision, and experience makes him a formidable contender.
The match, played under the Parisian sun, was a testament to the drama and intensity of Roland Garros. With Zverev moving forward and Cobolli exiting with his head held high, the 2025 French Open continues to deliver unforgettable moments on the red clay.
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