The French Open, the clay-court Grand Slam, begins in Paris next Sunday. Zverev, the reigning Olympic champion, has yet to win a singles major. He has reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros three times but has not advanced beyond that stage. Zverev won his first Masters title in Rome in 2017 and is back in top form after a serious ankle injury in 2022.

As the third seed, Zverev improved his head-to-head record against Jarry to 5-2. Despite some missed opportunities, he dominated with his first serve and strong returns, sealing the first set with one of three break points. Jarry, the 21st seed, was playing in his first Masters final and struggled to keep up.

Zverev saved two match points at 5-4 in the second set before securing the win, earning his 22nd ATP title. With French Open legend Rafa Nadal likely in his final season and Novak Djokovic appearing vulnerable, Zverev's prospects for a first major title in Paris look promising.

The 27-year-old's career was previously marred with controversy, after Zverev revealed he would not attend a trial for alledged abuse charges against against ex-girlfriend Olga Sharypova, with a court case schedule for 31 May. "No, I’m not. No," he replied when asked if he would be present in the court room.

Zverev will have a public hearing in Berlin; his physical presence in court is not required. The trial dates are set for 31 May and run through 7, 11, 18 and 21 June, with additional dates on 5, 12 and 19 July. Depending on the outcome, he could also miss Wimbledon which runs from 1 July until 14 July.

In October 2020, Sharypova came forward with a series of alarming allegations, claiming she had endured physical and psychological abuse. Amid the shock of these revelations, another ex-girlfriend, Brenda Patea, added to the controversy by making her own accusations against the German.

Earlier this year, the 27-year-old tennis player garnered attention when he was appointed to the ATP's Player Advisory Council. He was selected as one of nine players on the tour by his fellow peers. However, concerns were raised about the suitability of his position on the council in light of the domestic violence allegations against him.

When asked about the appropriateness of his continued role, Zverev confidently stated, “Why would it not be?” Before adding, “Nobody has said anything to me. I don’t have a reason not to believe that.”

Zverev vehemently opposed suggestions that he should pause his professional tennis career while the legal matter is ongoing, emphasising his determination to persevere in his career despite the challenges he faces.