For the better part of a decade, Alexander Zverev carried a burden that was never truly his to bear. And perhaps a part of him knew there was no escaping it, not after his rapid rise through the rankings and the succession of victories that branded him the prince promised.
Years of agony, near-misses and doubt gave way to tears of relief and disbelief as he sank to la terre battue after defeating Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final.
The 29-year-old landed 80 per cent of his first serves and broke an exhausted Cobolli three times in the decider to close out the match in the manner long expected of him -- composed, ruthless and finally unburdened.
For now, that burden is over and the doubts have finally been put to rest. Yet a different question now presents itself. The greatest champions use their first Slam as a launchpad. Others, having crossed the line they chased for so long, quietly lose the edge that drove them there.
Only time, and the next Grand Slam, will tell.
