'Never seen that before!' - Jim Courier wowed by 'extreme shots' in wild Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli rally in French Open final

Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli left TNT Sports expert Jim Courier stunned with a mad rally, including a ”never-seen-before” shot, in the 2026 French Open final.

Leading 3-1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Zverev was forced way out wide to return a kick serve on the left side of the court.

Zverev was so wide that he was able to get an angle to return the ball in the narrow gap between the umpire’s chair and the net post.

Cobolli looked like he might be caught off guard for a moment as the ball didn't come back over the net as expected.

US Open Mixed Doubles -

'We're chasing the title' - Sabalenka reveals 'goal' with Djokovic

Yesterday at 12:34

However, the Italian quickly got across to the ball and returned it for a forehand winner as Zverev scrambled across the court.

”That return of serve was literally around the net,” said Courier on TNT Sports commentary. ”Have you ever seen that before in a Roland-Garros final? I don’t think I have.”

Commentator Nick Mullins added: ”Extreme shots from both players there. Who needs a net?”

Zverev won the game to take a 4-1 lead in the first set of the final. The second seed had earlier benefitted from a stroke of luck when also returning a serve from out wide.

With Cobolli holding game point in the first game of the match, Zverev’s return clipped the net cord, flicked into the air, and then hit the net cord again on the way down and fell over the net.

• Experts pick out French Open highlights
• How watching Federer helped Andreeva win first major

'A very dominant start' - Watch as Zverev breaks Cobolli in opening game of final

Video credit: TNT Sports

Zverev went on to win the game to start the final with a break of serve.

The German is aiming to secure his first Grand Slam title, having lost in three previous finals, including at the French Open in 2024 to Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz did not defend his title in Paris due to a wrist injury and he will also miss Wimbledon, which starts on June 29.

It is not known yet when Alcaraz will return to the tour, having not played since mid-April.

Becker gives expert verdict on French Open final between Zverev and Cobolli

Video credit: TNT Sports

- - -

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this. 

Stream every court from the 2026 French Open exclusively live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Wimbledon Men's Singles -

Alcaraz 'will be itching' to renew Sinner rivalry but warned 'game moves forward at a lick'

12/07/2026 at 23:34

Wimbledon Men's Singles -

'We have to be very careful now' - Sinner wary of Zverev No. 1 threat after Wimbledon final thriller

12/07/2026 at 23:34