The 2026 edition of Roland Garros was full of surprises, but after two weeks of intense competition, the trophy deservedly ended up in the hands of Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who defeated Flavio Cobolli in a five-set final.
Following the match, Rafael Nadal took to social media to congratulate both players:
“Congratulations, @AlexZverev, on winning Roland Garros! So well deserved after all the hard work and perseverance. You’ve been chasing your first Grand Slam for a long time, and you absolutely deserve it!
And congratulations to Flavio as well for a fantastic tournament!”
Rafa’s message was met with mixed reactions. While many fans celebrated Zverev’s achievement, others pointed to the domestic violence allegations that have followed the German throughout his career. The phrase “Anyone But Alexander Zverev” appeared across social media and in some media commentary, and similar reactions could be found in the replies to Rafa’s congratulatory post.
What makes Rafa’s message particularly noteworthy is that his support for Zverev is nothing new. Back in 2022, when Zverev suffered his devastating ankle injury during the Roland Garros semifinal against Rafa, our champ expressed confidence that the German’s future remained bright. Rafa said he was sure Zverev was “going to win not one, much more than one” Grand Slam title and wished him a speedy recovery.
Three years later, that prediction has finally become reality, with Zverev lifting his first Grand Slam trophy on the very court where he once left in tears.
Rafa has always shown respect and support for his fellow players, both in victory and defeat. What did you think of his congratulatory message to Zverev, and do you understand the mixed reactions it received from some fans? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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I appreciate this is a difficult situation and can understand the arguments on both sides of the coin.
However, I am a father of three daughters and therefore I have to err on the side of caution as these allegations never got to a court of law and reportedly were settled out of court.
Therefore there will always be conjecture about the guilt of either side.
I think that having a child will be a god send for Zverev. A calming loving presence in his life. Plus, he has to behave himself or the child will be taken off him.
It’s like I said, people can change and the above could be a catalyst for that change.
I think that having a child will be a god send for Zverev. A calming loving presence in his life. Plus, he has to behave himself or the child will be taken off him.
It’s like I said, people can change and the above could be a catalyst for that change.
I believe Zverev is a great Tennis player but not a great role model.
It all comes down to similar accusations, by two ex Girl Friends, Olga Sharypova and Brenda Patea. Did both of them lie about being physically assaulted? A settlement doesn’t mean you’re innocent. Zverev is rich. Just like everyone near the top of the rankings. The settlement was pocket change.
There seems to be a pattern emerging. If there’s no accusations of physical abuse by his current girlfriend, I’ll hold my hands up and apologise for saying, basically, once an abuser, always an abuser.
Both the previous accusation are pretty horrible though. But people can change.
We’ll see what happens.
Roger who?
Dealers choice.
The dodger, Rabbit, Ramjet, Daltry. I’m not googling Roger’s. The previous just sprung forth in me gulliver.
I think it’s perfectly fair that Zverev be judged. He physically assaults his girlfriends.
Just sweep it under the rug though.
You can judge me all you like. I’m not perfect but I’ve never battered a woman.
Deserves a congratulations from the King of Clay.
Zverev has worked very hard for years, a consistent players, and came close many times to be a grand slam winner. I’m happy for him. And Rafa always a gentleman in every aspect, understand what it feels like to win. Personal life is another matter.
Beautiful response!
Well done both Sascha and Rafa.
Rafa is being the wonderful person he has always been . Sascha Zverev deserves all the praise. People should forget any mistskes he may have made. He wss not found huolty and us a great guy and brilluant tennus player especislly considering that he is diabetic! Go Sascha!
Congratulations to Alexander, so well deserved. Hopefully it is the beginning of much more. Let us all share Rafa’s thoughts and let us have the utmost respect for all players.
Good message! Those controversies….. God knows how much is true and don’t identify Zverev.
I’m extremely happy that he won! As Rafa says he absolutely deserves it and I hope he wins more.
Congratulations to Alexander Zverev!
Insofar as his private life is concerned, it’s best that we stay out of it. Don’t judge lest you be judged. The role of judgment sits only with one Being.
Besides, we’re all incarnated in this world to learn, to evolve and eventually become divine in nature over several lifetimes of learning in different situations.
Living in the world is proof that nobody’s perfect, but are on our way to be and achieve perfection. Then we won’t need to come back to earth. We’d have ‘graduated’!
Rafa is always a gentleman. Zverev won the match; hopefully he celebrates with his daughter. There have been moments when Z. has not displayed ideal behaviour
in words or actions, on court and off, and those are not forgotten. At this elite level, participants are superb athletes, but Rafa also understood that tennis is a game. On a wider perspective, he is able to prioritize his values. Congrats to Z. for winning a slam,
but the win does not obliterate some serious issues.
As a Rafa fan, on and off the court. I like to say a very huge congratulations to Alexander Zverez. Finally he got to hold the trophy after a couple of missed opportunities. I had a feeling one day he’ll get it, and it was only a matter of time.
Good for Rafa. If fans can not let go of the past as a player makes good in the present, shame on them. I do remember that Rafa did predict this. Glad it came true.
Happy he won, though either player deserved to win and that shows with the final
Sean Connery got a Knighthood. Despite brazenly admitting that it’s fine to give your wife an “open-handed slap”.
In an interview, 1987, Barbra Walters. He said, he did not think it was “that bad” to slap a woman if she remained provocative after multiple warnings.
Connery was an arsehole but at least he admitted to being such. Which I find quite strange. Not only justifying but boasting and bragging about physical spousal abuse.
Of course, he did a U-turn (definitely PR men at work), on his stance in 2006, saying, “no level of abuse against women is ever justified under any circumstances”. Right Sean. I totally believe you.
Rafa, forever a gracious gentleman.
Zverev is an abuser and the whole world knows it. His temper outside the tennis court is very questionable. If I were Rafa, I would just send him a private message.
BLESSINGS ZVEREV..WELL DESERVED.
…THOSE WHO TALK..LET THEM..THROW THE FIRST STONE …I AM HAPPY YOU WON ..AND AS RAFA SAYS ..YOU ARE GOING TO WIN MORE 🏆 S
I’m so pleased for Sasha. I was so hoping he would win.
Wish Rafa had not said anything. Feels like since Zverev settled out of court (and innocent people ALWAYS settle) the ATP has closed ranks around this unpleasant guy and celebrated him. I love Rafa but loathe that an abuser like Zverev has gotten away scott free basically