When Jannik Sinner was bounced from the French Open draw eight days ago, the narrative of the tournament shifted. Once again, Alexander Zverev was thrust into the spotlight as the favorite to win his maiden Grand Slam. For the fourth time in his career, he sits just one win away. Zverev is the massive betting favorite, but the Italian Flavio Cobolli is no pushover.
Will Cobolli play spoiler to Zverev’s ascent to the mountaintop, or will the German secure what has alluded him for nearly a decade? Our LWOT staff offers their insights and predictions on the 2026 French Open final.
French Open Final Prediction
Alexander Zverev vs Flavio Cobolli
Zain
And then there were two. After what has been one of the most fascinating Slams of this century, it is Flavio Cobolli who stands between Alexander Zverev and his elusive first-ever Major title.
Both players have faced each other a handful of times, but their two clay-court meetings earlier this year are particularly interesting. Both matches were played at a higher altitude, with Cobolli winning in Munich and Zverev returning the favor in Madrid, in two fairly one-sided encounters. What those matches told us is that, from the baseline, Cobolli is capable of handling Zverev in stretches. His groundstrokes are quite effective on clay and, unlike the German, he likes to dictate play with his forehand.
This French Open final will likely come down to is how well the Italian can neutralise Zverev’s serve, as the German has been serving exceptionally in recent matches. Ultimately, this match will be played between two players who know they may never have a better chance to win a Slam. Expect nerves, long rallies from the baseline, and Cobolli to find a stretch of games where he looks untouchable. However, Zverev’s experience and overall higher floor level should ultimately see him through on what would undoubtedly be the biggest day of his tennis career.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Ateet
Alexander Zverev has managed the pressure and expectations brilliantly so far and is one step away from achieving his dream. In the past, he has shown that he can get tight in the biggest moments, but with all the experiences and failures, I think he is ready to put it all behind him.
Flavio Cobolli didn’t need to take the court as Matteo Arnaldi withdrew due to illness. He is going to be the toughest test for Zverev, as he is fresh and full of confidence. This should be close for the most part, but I think Zverev’s serve will be the difference and help him win his maiden Grand Slam title.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Harsh
Not many would have seen Cobolli reaching the French Open final, but here we are. The Italian made the most out of what was thrown in front of him. He will definitely be well rested due to Arnaldi’s withdrawal from the semifinals. All that being said, Zverev enters this final as the massive favourite.
It’s his fourth final, and this is in all likelihood his best chance at glory. Cobolli loves the baseline and hits a heavy ball, but Zverev plays from the baseline better than most, and it’s tough seeing how Cobolli can hurt him from the baseline or from his serve unless Zverev starts to feel the nerves.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Cizu
The German is one win away from his crowning moment after three previous painful defeats. In his way stands Cobolli, not the Italian many expected to be at this stage, but one who has been impressed. Cobolli benefited from his opponent’s withdrawal due to injury in his semifinal match. He therefore arrives to the French Open final fresh and should make this a challenge.
The concern with Zverev was whether he would struggle with the pressure of being the overwhelming favorite, but there have been no signs of that. Cobolli may very well have benefited from a run-out in the semis before such a huge match. The signs point to Zverev accepting his moment of glory with both hands.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images
