"I honestly feel like I could play again": Alexander Zverev rubbishes notion of any Cobolli advantage due to walk-over
ATPSaturday, 06 June 2026 at 12:30
Alexander Zverev has rubbished any notion that Flavio Cobolli will have any advantage when it comes to their tie as they face off in the final of the French Open on Sunday afternoon not before 14 CET.
Zverev spoke after he saw off Jakub Mensik in four sets while Cobolli earned his spot in the final without even playing which of course in itself will lend itself to chatter that perhaps the Italian has a small modicum of an advantage.
Albeit both Italians were part of many gruelling ties and Zverev will know that in reality, this is his best chance to achieve his destiny and become a major champion for the first time.
Cobolli's freshness could be a factor but perhaps a view that is brought due to the lack of a fight really that Mensik put up. “Not really because I feel fine. I didn’t have brutally long matches. I honestly feel like I could play again now. So, not really.”
Zverev wasn't surprised at walk-over
The walk-over was brought on due to Matteo Arnaldi feeling unwell and so his match with Flavio Cobolli ended up being a walk-over in the end. Albeit they both received criticism for going into the press conference room together and seemingly mixing.
They are both close friends but that could also have a bearing if in reality Cobolli gets unwell. John McEnroe quizzically asked why they did it and was a bit perplexed why. Zverev also touched upon the withdrawal and said that he kind of had a feeling when he saw him in the locker room.
He said that in reality no matter what others say there wasn't really a whole lot he could do in the situation and it is now up to him to move on. Illness can strike at any time and it did for Arnaldi when he had the biggest game of his life begging. For Zverev though now it is about regrouping and getting ready to face off with Cobolli on Sunday.
Zverev wasn't shocked at outcome.
“I think it’s not the way that you want a semi-final of a Grand Slam to happen, but I also saw Matteo in the locker room and he looked awful, so I understand it,” he said.
“There’s nothing much he can do. Things like that happen. We’re all human. We don’t wish for them to happen, but they do. And I don’t think there’s going to be a big difference on Sunday.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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- Hope he doesSakkariFan2305-06-2026
- Well I think you're wrong 6-0, 6-1 MajaSakkariFan2305-06-2026
- Mensik v Arnaldi pleaseSakkariFan2305-06-2026
- This is Zverev's chance to finally win a Grand Slam. He will not get too many chances. Better not mess it up Sascha!! :-)
AceOfBase05-06-2026 - I seriously love this. Serena is back. Hopefully she wins a few for usAceOfBase05-06-2026
- That will be a boring final. Easy win for AndreevaAceOfBase05-06-2026
- If she wins? And I am 100% convinced she will not, then she will get a Wildcard :-)AceOfBase05-06-2026
- Mensik might become the new Ivan Lendl but i don't believe he's able to defeat Zverev already. Sascha looks locked in.
MrAndreeva05-06-2026 - It's there for the taking Mirra. If Chwalinska starts to moonball, we moonball back with even more spin on the ball. 🥳MrAndreeva05-06-2026
- Priorities, Priorities, Priorities
mandoist04-06-2026
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