PARIS (AP) — It all came rushing back to Alexander Zverev when he was lying on his back on the French Open’s center court, his hands covering his face, and sobbing on Sunday as he realized that he had — finally — become a Grand Slam champion.

It was the same court where he twisted his right ankle and crumpled to the ground, wailing in agony before being pushed off on a wheelchair during a semifinal match against Rafael Nadal in 2022.

The same court where he wasted a lead of two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 championship match.

“All the emotions came out, because this court is very, very special to me. It’s special in a very positive way, but also special on the negative way, because I had some of the toughest moments of my life here,” Zverev said.

READ: French Open: Zverev to face Cobolli in final after beating Mensik

“I was laying on this court with an injury that I didn’t know if I would ever come back from. I lost a Grand Slam final here, so all of those memories for me, they’re not wiped out. They’re still with me, but this one will beat all of them.”

After so many missed opportunities, Zverev is no longer one of the best players never to win a major title.

In his fourth major final, Zverev beat Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 for the French Open title.

It was a unique opportunity for Zverev without Jannik Sinner or Alcaraz across the net and the third-ranked German took full advantage on the red clay of Roland Garros.

When Cobolli missed an overhead on the second championship point after more than four hours of the five-set encounter, Zverev joined an elite group of players that captured their first major in their fourth final: Eight-time major champion Andre Agassi, 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic and 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem.

Then when Zverev finally got his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy, he turned it upside down, held it between his legs and then hoisted it above his head with both arms as he let out a loud roar.

“This trophy for me is very important because if I would have lost this one, this self-belief would have gone down a lot,” Zverev said. “But now that I’ve won it, I feel like I can do it again.”

No Sinner or Alcaraz

Zverev had been an overwhelming favorite for the title ever since the top-ranked Sinner struggled in the first week’s heat wave and wasted a two set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. A day later, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated.

Alcaraz, the two-time reigning champion, withdrew before the tournament with an injured right wrist.

Zverev also lost a lead of two sets to none in the 2020 U.S. Open final to Thiem and was beaten in straight sets by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.

It was the 25th title of Zverev’s career.

Cobolli’s 1st Slam final

The 14th-ranked Cobolli had never been past a Grand Slam quarterfinal until this week. He was attempting to become the first Italian man to raise the singles trophy at Roland Garros since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago.

Cobolli comes from the same tennis club in Rome as Panatta did and Panatta was asked by tournament organizers to present the trophy to celebrate the anniversary of his 1976 triumph.

The honors, however, went to Zverev.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva won the women’s singles trophy on Saturday.

The match was played in perfect conditions and Zverev’s game was almost flawless at the start as Cobolli appeared nervous.

A group of women in the stands held up letters to form Zverev’s nickname: “Sascha.”

Cobolli likes to stand way over near the corner of the court and hit big kick serves out wide into the ad court. Zverev knew what was coming and returned one such kick serve early in the first set with a backhand that he wrapped around the outside of the net post. Cobolli ended up winning the point, but it was a message from Zverev that he knew how to handle his opponent’s tactics.

The next time Zverev hit a wrap-around-the-net-post return, Cobolli couldn’t handle it and Zverev won the point.

Cobolli’s supporters in his box were all dressed in blue, the color of Italy’s national teams, and as Cobolli worked his way back into the match, there were chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole; Flavio, Flavio.”

Both players were treated by a trainer as the match wore on and Cobolli appeared to run out of energy in the fifth.

“He deserved it more than me at the end of the match,” Cobolli said, adding that he was slowed by cramps.

Zverev said his cramps “were more mental.

“I actually think that the cramp helped me in a way, that I let go, I kind of hit my shots a bit more and just let go,” he added.

Moments after Zverev’s previous Grand Slam final in Australia in 2025, a person in the stadium yelled out the names of two of his ex-girlfriends who accused him of physical abuse.

One case was resolved following an agreement between German prosecutors, lawyers for Zverev and his former partner. The ATP Tour investigated another case and concluded there was insufficient evidence.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson had a technical foul against him from Game 2 of the NBA Finals rescinded after the league took a look back.

During the Knicks’ 105-104 thrilling win on Friday to push their series lead to 2-0, Robinson and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama were involved in a shoving match near the paint, which resulted in a whistle.

But despite both players getting physical, it was only Robinson who received a technical foul. Both players were trying to fight for position, but when Wembanyama threw his hands in the air, Robinson was the one getting a foul.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson reacts to a call in the second quarter during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

This came with 4:56 left in the first half, and required Karl-Anthony Towns to come back in the game.

A technical foul is free throws and possession of the ball, which could’ve hurt the Knicks in the end. However, they once again stole a game on the road, as they head to Madison Square Garden for its first Finals game since 1999 against these same Spurs.

KNICKS CENTER MITCHELL ROBINSON SEEMS TO BE FIRED UP ABOUT PLAYING GAME 3 IN FRONT OF PRESIDENT TRUMP

The game came down to the final possession, where Wembanyama, who turned the ball over and fouled Jalen Brunson to allow him to hit one of two free throws for the eventual game-winning bucket, missed the final shot to suffer back-to-back losses.

Robinson was defending Wembanyama on the play, but when the 7-foot-4 big man went for the shot, he had a clear look. However, it smacked off the rim and bounced out. Devin Vassell secured the rebound for San Antonio, but there wasn’t enough time left on the clock despite banking in his shot.

Robinson ended up playing 14 minutes for the Knicks, tallying seven points, three rebounds, one block and one steal across that span.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama drives as New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson defends during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio on June 5, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)

He has been playing these Finals games thus far with a surgically repaired pinky finger on his right hand, which reportedly happened at his home just days before tip-off against the Spurs. The Knicks had time to kill after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Robinson plays a key role for head coach Mike Brown’s team, being one of the main bench players who has made an impact this year. He not only spells Towns when he’s tired or gets into foul trouble, but Robinson also does well to protect the paint, grab rebounds and slam home the occasional alley-oop.

The Spurs, though, used the “Hack-A-Mitch” game plan when Towns got into foul trouble and they were trying to make a run in the second quarter of Game 2. Purposefully getting into the team bonus, fouling Robinson awarded him two free throws, but he has struggled at a historic rate. Robinson is shooting just 32% (16-50) from the charity stripe in 15 games.  

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of Game Two in the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 5, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

That will likely be used by Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson if the opportunity arises again, but both teams have certainly been physical to begin these Finals. But the NBA decided that a technical on Robinson should not have been the call, and luckily for the Knicks, it didn’t factor into the win at the end of the contest.  

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Artur Beterbiev has not fought since losing his undisputed light-heavyweight world title in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol last February. He has now revealed that he agreed to a fight with David Benavidez until the latter’s team had a change of heart.

Beterbiev became the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era when he outpointed Bivol in October 2024, but the tables were turned in their rematch four months later, as Bivol claimed the throne.

Ever since, the pair have been linked to a trilogy affair, but many boxing fans seem more interested in a showdown between Bivol and Benavidez, who currently holds the WBC light-heavyweight title as well as the unified cruiserweight world titles.

However, following the WBO’s recent order, it seems as though Bivol may instead fight Liverpool’s Callum Smith if he wishes to retain that belt before he can pursue a clash with either Benavidez or Beterbiev.

As a result, there are suggestions that Benavidez and Beterbiev could meet, with the winner moving on to an undisputed clash with Bivol.

In an interview with Match TV, Beterbiev said that Benavidez’s team recently turned that fight down, despite previously agreeing to the bout following ‘The Mexican Monster’s’ win over Anthony Yarde back in November.

“Benavidez is such a person that talks a lot more than he does. But, we must admit that it is very competently conducted. He’s already a three-weight world champion, but his boxing is dirty and, of course, there are questions about some of his victories.

“He had a fight with Anthony Yarde and I agreed to come out with him after that fight. Apparently, his team didn’t expect me to agree so quickly, so they immediately changed their mind and chose [Zurdo] Ramirez.

Advertisement

“That was a year ago, in general, this has become the norm in boxing – I will box, I will not, I will choose my opponents – I like this one and I don’t like that one. I have a different mentality – it is alien to me.”

At the age of 41, Beterbiev is continuing to train, hopeful of securing the opportunity to take on Bivol for a third time and cement himself as the victor of a trilogy that will be remembered for generations to come.

Real Madrid to join Mateus Fernandes race, Brighton reject Spurs’ second Jan Paul van Hecke bid and Harry Maguire could leave Manchester United.

Real Madrid are set to join the race to sign Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, following West Ham‘s relegation from the Premier League. (Sun), external

Brighton have rejected a second bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Netherlands centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, 25. (Talksport), external

Harry Maguire could be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer, just months after the England defender, 33, signed a new contract. (Football Insider), external

Inter Milan have made an offer for England midfielder Curtis Jones, 25, but are currently some way short of Liverpool‘s valuation. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Liverpool could use Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, as leverage in their bid to sign Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, from RB Leipzig. (Teamtalk), external

Bayern Munich have said they have no intention of selling Michael Olise after Real Madrid said they would offer £130m for the France winger, 24. (Bild – in German), external

Bernardo Silva says that joining Barcelona is “an option” after leaving Manchester City but the Portugal midfielder, 31, is yet to make a decision on his future. (Marca – in Spanish), external

Tottenham‘s Italy international Guglielmo Vicario, 29, has emerged as the frontrunner as Juventus look to sign a new goalkeeper. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external

Coventry City have submitted a club-record £20m bid for Carl Rushworth, the 24-year-old English goalkeeper who helped the Sky Blues win the Championship while on loan from Brighton last season. (Talksport), external

Four years ago, Alexander Zverev was taken off Court Phillippe-Chatrier in a wheelchair, another chance at Grand Slam glory gone.

The German had been a set up in the semi-final against the great Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open when he suffered a nasty fall that left him screaming in pain.

Advertisement

Zverev tore ligaments in his right ankle in what was the worst injury of his career and missed several months of the season after undergoing surgery.

But 1,465 days later, he walked off the same court with his first – and long-awaited – Grand Slam trophy tucked under his arm after beating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a tense five-set final in Paris.

“This court is so special to me in so many ways,” Zverev, 29, said.

“I have had the best moments and the worst moment of my life on this court.

“I was laid in that corner four years ago with seven broken ligaments and two fractured bones. I lost a Grand Slam final here two years ago.

Advertisement

“But now, finally, it is a happy ending.”

Zverev had long been dubbed the best player of his generation to have never won a Grand Slam after a string of near misses – including three defeats in major finals.

At the US Open in 2020, he lost the final despite being two sets up against Dominic Thiem and having served for the championship at 5-3 in the final set.

He led Carlos Alcaraz by two sets to one in the 2024 French Open final but it was the Spaniard who ended up lifting his first Coupe des Mousquetaires.

At the Australian Open in 2025, he was outclassed in a merciless performance by Jannik Sinner that left Zverev saying he felt mentally “empty” a few months later.

Advertisement

“Last year was one of the most difficult moments in my tennis career,” Zverev said.

“This year is one of the happiest moments. It’s a very different feeling right now.”

It seemed like the pressure of a Grand Slam final might prove too much for a fourth time when 24-year-old Cobolli, who had twice fought back from a set down, forced a deciding fifth set.

But Zverev, who has struggled with his emotions on court in the past, held his nerve to end his major final curse.

After falling flat on his back in celebration, Zverev dedicated his victory to his team, which includes his father and brother.

“We have been through injury, heartbreaks, losses. We have been losers at times in the most important moments,” Zverev said.

Advertisement

“At the end of the day, we are Grand Slam champions now and that is what counts.

“I was laying on this court with an injury that I didn’t know if I will ever come back from. All of those memories, they’re not wiped out,” he said.

“They’re still with me but this one will beat all of them.”

Zverev’s path to the trophy opened up when top seed Sinner, the heavy favourite, fell to a shock second-round defeat by Juan Manuel Cerundolo.

Two-time defending champion and world number two Alcaraz had withdrawn a month before the tournament with a wrist injury.

And 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, who has won three titles in Paris, was removed from the conversation when he lost to Joao Fonseca in the third round.

Advertisement

Cobolli was the first player that Zverev faced who resided in the world’s top 25.

This was simply Zverev’s best chance to win his first Grand Slam – and he cannot be faulted for grabbing it with both hands.

Nadal, who helped him off the court after his nasty ankle injury in 2022, was one of the first to congratulate Zverev.

“Congratulations Alexander Zverev on winning Roland Garros. So well deserved after all the hard work and perseverance. You’ve been chasing your first Grand Slam for a long time and you absolutely deserve it,” Nadal wrote on social media.

Zverev is a polarising figure who has previously been involved in controversy.

Advertisement

In October 2023, he was given a penalty order and fined 450,000 euros (£392,000) for bodily harm against his ex-partner, who he shares a child with.

Zverev denied the claims and lodged an objection against the order, which resulted in a public trial in May 2024. The trial was discontinued a week into the proceedings.

At the time, the court told BBC Sport: “The decision is not a verdict and it is not a decision about guilt or innocence.”

The court also told the BBC there was a separate settlement between Zverev and his ex-girlfriend.

Zverev was also accused in October 2020 of physical violence and controlling behaviour by another former girlfriend.

Advertisement

He maintained his innocence from the start and always described the allegations as baseless. There were no legal proceedings.

The Minnesota Vikings will feature about eight new starters in 2026, from Kyler Murray at quarterback to possibly two rookie defensive tackles — and even a punter if one considers that position a starter. And with the summer here, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to lift up their main concerns for the 2026 squad.

With a wide array of responses, the group wasn’t shy about addressing the franchise’s current weaknesses.

VikingsTerritory’s Roundtable Points to Some Raised Eyebrows

1. The General Roster Depth

VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi

The Vikings have a great starting lineup, one I truly believe can make a playoff run. However, one of the biggest downsides of bad drafts is a lack of depth. Particularly in the secondary, interior offensive line, and edge rushers, an injury can derail the entire season.

2. The Defensive Secondary

VT Writer: Adam New

At both cornerback and safety, the Vikings are lacking in quality. The team will hope Brian Flores and the defensive front can cover up some of the secondary’s deficiencies; if they can’t, then Minnesota will have a problem.

3. The Safety Position

VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui

Whether Harrison Smith is back or not, that’s a position of concern. Theo Jackson is okay, and Josh Metellus, while very versatile, isn’t very good in coverage. Smith is a future Hall of Famer, no doubt, but he isn’t the same player he once was. Jakobe Thomas is also unproven. The Vikings should definitely try to add a safety sometime before the season starts.

4. Health

VT Writer: Cole Smith

My biggest concern for the 2026 Vikings is their health. Injuries derailed not only J.J. McCarthy’s 2025 season but also the offensive line. Kyler Murray has only played a full season once in the last four years. Get requisite health, and the Vikings could be poised to bounce back this year.

5. The Rushing Offense

VT Writer: Dustin Baker

Kevin O’Connell has not created an efficient rushing offense, and he’s entering his fifth season. Running the ball effectively is the missing link for O’Connell’s offense — and the team as a whole. It’s why drafting Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington might’ve been the meal ticket or anyone running back from 2025’s deep class.

Before too long, O’Connell must commit to the run — more than giving it lip service. It can be the almighty fix to the Vikings’ problems, even when the quarterback performance sputters, as it did in 2025.

Just run the damn ball at a balanced ratio. We will continue to say this; the request is easy. Take the soup out of the can, pour it into a bowl, put it in the microwave, and press the button. Not difficult.

6. The Whole QB Situation

VT Writer: Tony Schultz

All eyes will be on the quarterbacks in Minnesota, even after a decision has been made. There is already a rift forming in the fan base over JJ and Kyler. Shots are being fired over how each performs, picking on video game playing and being “9”. Maturity is being questioned in every quote, as is dedication.

My main concern is not who wins the competition because I want the team to win. Whoever steps in behind center, I will cheer for them, but I will still be critical of their performance if it is bad. Murray isn’t going to grow any taller, and McCarthy still has mental growth ahead of him. I don’t want it to engulf the season to the point where fans miss out on how the team is doing.

Along with that, if Murray is the starter, I don’t want McCarthy traded. I’m hoping he can sit back, evaluate how he needs to grow, and show patience with himself and the team. O’Connell knows teams quit on young QBs too early, too often, and I want McCarthy to see that and know his opportunity may still be in Minnesota with the team around him.

t7. The OLBs

VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler

The EDGE rusher group leaves a lot to be desired. Moving on from Greenard made sense from a financial standpoint, but unless Dallas Turner is ready to rock and Andrew Van Ginkel is fully healthy, the entire defense will take a hit.

t7. The OLBs

VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala

My biggest concerns are primarily the edge position, which I expect us to fill before training camp (FA’s Jadaveon Clowney/Leonard Floyd?), and the depth at safety.

If Harrison Smith does not re-sign, we have some serious questions to answer, and I believe we are taking a big risk in the back end of our defense. Brian Flores has to hope our young defensive tackles step up and provide enough pressure with a healthy AVG and Dallas Turner to mask that potential weakness.

t8. The Unproven Defensive Front

VT Writer: Janik Eckardt

The Vikings have only two pass-rushers with meaningful NFL experience under contract. Furthermore, after swapping Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen for a couple of rookies, the Vikings have to rely on a bunch of inexperienced players all over the place. Brian Flores has been a magician over the years, and he might once again be asked to pull a rabbit out of a hat.

t8. The Defensive Front Seven

VT Writer: Kyle Joudry

The main concern for the roster is within the front seven. Dallas Turner needs to elevate, Eric Wilson needs to replicate, and Jake Golday can’t have a redshirt season. So, too, is there much faith being put in Caleb Banks (still recovering from injury) and Domonique Orange. It could work, but there are many ways the front seven could struggle.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

TORONTO (AP) — Brittney Sykes scored 25 points, Nyara Sabally added 15 and the Toronto Tempo beat the Chicago Sky 85-68 on Sunday.

Isabelle Harrison, who missed the first 10 games of the season with a thumb injury, finished with 14 points in her season debut and Laura Juskaite scored 10 for the Tempo (6-5). Marina Mabrey added nine points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block.

Advertisement

Azura Stevens had a season-high 18 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago, her second consecutive game with a double-double. Gabriela Jaquez (knee) returned from a four-game absence and finished with 11 points, and Jacy Sheldon scored 10.

The Sky (4-7) beat Connecticut 85-80 on Friday to snap a five-game skid.

Harrison hit a 3-pointer with 4:12 left in the first quarter that made it 20-9 and the Tempo led by double figures the rest of the way.

The Tempo set season lows for 3-pointers made (four) and 3-point percentage (18.2%).

Rookie Kiki Rice (ankle) did not play for Toronto.

Toronto beat the Sky 111-104 behind a career-high 29 points from Sabally on Friday in Chicago.

Up next

Sky: Host Atlanta on Tuesday.

Tempo: Host Connecticut on Wednesday.

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Tom Brady has found himself at the center of a major controversy after a clip of his controversial take on NFL practice squad players went viral. During an appearance on the “Champion Mindset” podcast on May 31, the seven-time Super Bowl champion shared his stance on practice squad players.

“I realized was a lot of guys on those practice squads, they don’t want to be elevated to the roster,” Brady said. “They’re very happy living this life where they could tell their family and friends, which I have no problem with that. But the reality is a lot of guys don’t want the pressure of dealing with top.”

Carolina Panthers veteran cornerback Michael Jackson Sr., who spent the early portion of his career fighting through the practice squad with the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots, pushed back against Brady’s comments on Saturday on X.

“How can somebody who ain’t never been on p squad talk about it ain’t shit sweet about knowing you can be gone bc any position group got hit with injuries and we not even talking about the insurance or not getting paid in the offseason bro 🧢,” Jackson Sr. tweeted.

Entering the league as a fifth-round draft pick by Dallas in 2019, Jackson was cut and relegated to the practice squad before bouncing around the league’s developmental rosters.

Jackson earned a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks, eventually forcing his way into a full-time starting role in 2022, where he started all 17 games and racked up 75 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and an interception. Now, he is a reliable veteran presence for the Panthers and led the league in pass deflections in 2025. He signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the franchise in March 2025, as per Spotrac.

Also Read: “They did terrible job of building around Tom Brady”: NFL analyst calls out Under Armor after Steph Curry signs sneaker deal with Chinese company

Also Read: “You are definitely wrong”: Tom Brady’s practice squad argument gets called out by Joe Burrow’s former teammate

Lil’Jordan Humphrey claps back at Tom Brady’s practice squad comments

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey disagreed with Tom Brady’s assessment of NFL practice squad players last week. He challenged the three-time NFL MVP on social media hours after the clip surfaced.

“Haven’t met one person who is okay with just being on the PSquad,” Humphrey tweeted.

Brady said that practice squad players are valuable because they can be elevated when injuries occur, but argued that some struggle when asked to perform under the spotlight.