"You absolutely deserve this success because you have worked so hard" - An 'emotional' Novak Djokovic releases poignant statement after Zverev wins maiden Grand Slam

Alexander Zverev is gaining praises from all around the tennis world after finally breaking his Grand Slam duct by winning the French Open. He down Flavio Cobolli in five sets and achieved the prize he sought more than anything. Novak Djokovic was one of the people to congratulate him with a long and touching message.

After the Serbian and world number one Jannik Sinner departed the tournament, Zverev was the overwhelming favourite to clinch glory. He battled past everyone who came at him, holding his nerve and keeping his composure with full focus on the task at hand.

For years a Grand Slam was the only thing he had not won. He was an Olympic champion, two-times ATP Finals winner along with amassing seven Masters 1000 events. He had reached the final of a major tournament on three separate occasions while losing in each one.

This time was different. He finally banished his prior woes on the big stage in fine fashion, making the most of other top players suffering early casualties. The 29-year-old will obviously want to add to his tally as more tournaments crip up throughout the year, but he can now retire satisfied with his work.

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, cementing his name as one of the best to ever do it. He has constantly been winning the big titles for almost two decades now and knows that winning feeling all too well.

He is a three-time champion at Roland Garros, bowing out at the fourth round on this occasion with Joao Fonseca mustering up a brilliant performance to take down the 39-year-old.

While this was hugely disappointing as he continues to search for the elusive and unprecedented 25th major title, he was still over the moon with Zverev finally breaking new ground.

"Sasha, I have known you since you were 10 years old," he wrote on Instagram. "You were battling on the practice courts with my youngest brother while I was competing against your older brother, Mischa, on the big stage in both junior and pro circuit.

"I’ve nurtured a respectful and friendly relationship with your entire family for many years. We had countless conversations on tennis tactics, strategic plays, life, family, business. We had fun time on and off the court. Knowing what you had to endure with your illness since the young age, overcoming the greatest mental hurdle within yourself and shutting down critics who thought you would never win GS, makes this Grand Slam win even more special and memorable.

"Seeing the tears of joy you had together with your parents, brother and other team members made me emotional. I’m happy that you made it and you absolutely deserve this success because you have worked so hard on every front to make it happen. Enjoy it and молодец брат."

Zverev saw this and replied with a couple of hearts. While they fiercely compete on the court, away from it there is a lot of mutual respect for each other. They will now both turn to grass with Wimbledon on the horizon and another chance for the pair to add to their contrasting Grand Slam tallies.