Alexander Zverev said a lengthy private text from Rafael Nadal was the most meaningful message he received after winning his first Grand Slam title at the French Open on June 7.
Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli in five sets in the final. He told Eurosport Germany that private messages mattered more than public posts.
“For me, private messages are much more important. All the great tennis players congratulated me: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic. Rafa wrote me a very long message, which I found incredibly kind,” Zverev said.
Nadal also texted Zverev during the tournament. Zverev noted that this ongoing attention made the gesture even more special. Other messages came from German soccer players including Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels and Joshua Kimmich, as well as NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki.
Nadal publicly praised Zverev’s hard work and perseverance. He said Zverev deserved a Grand Slam given his technical level and that it was positive for tennis to see the German finally achieve the goal after years of near misses.
