Alexander Zverev finally achieved the career milestone he had chased for years, lifting his first Grand Slam trophy after a hard-fought victory at the French Open. Yet, instead of dominating headlines across France, the German star's historic achievement was met with a surprisingly restrained response, reigniting conversations about the controversies that have followed him throughout his career.

Zverev defeated Italy's Flavio Cobolli in a dramatic five-set final on Sunday in Paris to claim his maiden major title. The victory made him only the third German man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam singles title and the first since Boris Becker's triumph at the Australian Open in 1996.

Ordinarily, such a breakthrough victory at Roland Garros would command extensive front-page coverage in the host nation. However, France's leading sports daily, L'Equipe, chose a different editorial direction.

Rather than centering its front page on Zverev's success, the newspaper dedicated its main headline to Metz Handball's historic achievement as the first French club to win the Women's Champions League title. Zverev's victory was acknowledged only through a small photograph placed in the top-left corner of the page, accompanied by the headline: "Zverev, major at last."

The newspaper went further by publishing an editorial titled "To live with," which reflected on the domestic violence allegations that have shadowed the German player's career.

The article noted that while Zverev's on-court accomplishments are undeniable, public reaction to his success remains complicated by past accusations made by former partners.

Two years ago, a domestic abuse case involving former partner Brenda Patea concluded after an out-of-court settlement. A district court in Berlin terminated proceedings following an agreement between prosecutors and lawyers representing both parties.

Under the agreement, Zverev paid €150,000 to the state and an additional €50,000 to charitable organizations. Importantly, the settlement did not result in a criminal conviction, and the tennis star has consistently denied wrongdoing.

The newspaper acknowledged the legal outcome while emphasizing the lingering public debate surrounding the allegations.

"The context complicates the reception of his success," L'Equipe wrote.

The editorial continued:

"Under German law, the payment of this sum does not constitute an admission of guilt. The proceedings concluded without any entry on his criminal record. He remains presumed innocent in a case that the courts will no longer adjudicate. Everyone will have to live with that. Her, him, you, us."

Zverev has also previously denied separate assault allegations made by another woman. Those claims were investigated by the ATP, which announced in January 2023 that there was insufficient evidence to support disciplinary action.

According to L'Equipe, the issue resurfaced during an interview with the newly crowned champion on Monday. When journalists raised the topic of how the allegations had influenced media discussion surrounding his victory, Zverev reportedly pushed back.

"Wait, first of all, it isn't that kind of interview. Secondly, you know it has been proven that the accusations were false?" he said.

The German added:

"I've done everything I could do, and my innocence has been proven."

When the conversation continued, Zverev appeared unwilling to engage further.

Asked about his plans for the coming weeks, he reportedly replied:

"I don't know. I think we should stop (the interview), it's better."

Despite the controversy generated by the newspaper's editorial stance, L'Equipe later explained that its front-page decisions were influenced by several major sporting stories occurring simultaneously. Editors pointed to the Monaco Grand Prix, significant cycling developments ahead of the Tour de France, and Metz's historic European handball success as factors that shaped coverage priorities.

Interestingly, the newspaper had also opted against featuring women's champion Mirra Andreeva as its main front-page story following her title win, instead spotlighting emerging French cycling sensation Paul Seixas.

Ballboys and ballgirls react as Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates with the trophy after winning the men's final match against Flavio Cobolli of Italy at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Sunday, June 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The contrast with previous years was notable. Last year, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's memorable five-set men's final dominated the front page, while Coco Gauff's women's title victory also received prominent headline treatment.

While France's sports media remained divided on how to frame Zverev's triumph, the reaction in Germany was far more celebratory.

The tabloid Bild hailed the champion with the headline "Alexander The Great," placing his trophy celebration prominently on its front page. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also joined the chorus of congratulations, praising the 28-year-old's achievement on social media.

"This outstanding performance," Merz wrote, "has inspired and thrilled an entire nation."

For Zverev, the French Open title represents the crowning achievement of a career that has often hovered on the edge of greatness. Yet the reaction in Paris demonstrates that, for some observers, the discussion surrounding the German star extends beyond tennis, ensuring that his landmark victory will continue to be viewed through multiple lenses.