Ivan Ljubicic’s honest verdict on Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros title

Alexander Zverev finally achieved the greatest milestone of his career by winning his maiden Major title at Roland Garros.

The German ended years of waiting and fulfilled a dream that had often seemed just out of reach.

Five down to reach a fifth Roland-Garros SF 🔒#RolandGarros @AlexZverev pic.twitter.com/a43ENSzl3c

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 2, 2026

The 29-year-old bested Flavio Cobolli in five sets en route to the trophy on Court Philippe-Chatrier, maintaining his focus and becoming the fifth-oldest first-time Major champion in the Open era.

While many believe the victory could mark the beginning of a new chapter in men’s tennis, Ivan Ljubicic offered a more measured assessment of what the title actually changes in the sport’s hierarchy.

A breakthrough result, not a transformation

According to Ljubicic, Zverev’s success in Paris should be viewed primarily as a reward for years of consistency rather than evidence of a dramatic evolution of his game.

The former world no. 3 argued that the German’s tennis remains largely the same as before. However, the biggest difference has come in the final outcome. From Ivan’s perspective, Roland Garros delivered a long-awaited Major trophy, but not a technical or tactical revolution. 

That distinction is important because many champions reinvent themselves before capturing their most notable titles. The Croat does not believe that happened in the German’s case.

Sinner and Alcaraz remain the benchmark

Despite congratulating Alexander on his achievement, Ivan still sees Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as the leading forces in men’s tennis. Roland Garros is the first Major they have lost since the 2023 US Open.

Both players have spent the last few seasons setting the standard at the biggest events. They had won nine straight Major titles before ending the streak in Paris following Alcaraz’s withdrawal and Sinner’s early defeat following a stunning physical setback.

Even with Zverev finally breaking through in Paris, Ljubicic feels the German has not overtaken either of them in the overall pecking order. Jannik remains alone at the top of the ATP rankings, while Alexander moves closer to Carlos, who has not played since April. 

The Roland Garros title undoubtedly strengthens Alexander’s credentials and removes the biggest question mark that had followed him throughout his career. 

However, in Ljubicic’s eyes, one Major title is not enough to shift the balance of power away from the sport’s two dominant stars. The 29-year-old understands that and wishes to challenge them for the ATP throne in the future.

A new opportunity for Zverev

Regardless of the debate surrounding rankings and status, Alexander enters the remainder of the season with a completely different level of confidence. At 29, he is finally a Major champion, which no one can take away from him.

The pressure of chasing a first Major title is now behind him. Zverev will now focus entirely on building on his breakthrough. Whether he can close the gap on Sinner and Alcaraz remains to be seen.

What is certain, his triumph in Paris ensures he will be part of every Major conversation moving forward, maybe not fully at Wimbledon but certainly at the US Open in September.

For now, Ljubicic believes the hierarchy in men’s tennis remains unchanged. Alexander has finally joined the club of Major champions, yet the sport’s highest benchmark is still set by Sinner and Alcaraz.

“I do not think Alexander’s Roland Garros title will change much. What has changed for him is the result, not his style of play. It’s an important victory, without a doubt, but it does not represent a technical or tactical transformation.

He won a match he should have won, but Jannik and Carlos remain stronger,” Ivan Ljubicic said.