India, June 9 -- As Alexander Zverev, first-time Grand Slam champion lay on his back on the Philippe Chatrier after a four-hour 19-minute finale that was part-sizzle, part-fizzle, French TV went into a discussion titled Zverev: Enfin la consecration. Finally, the consecration.

The consecration of the 29-year-old world No.3 - he dipped his toes in the seniors in 2011 as a 14-year-old - with a pale Grand Slam record.

Before this French Open, he had made 41 Grand Slam main draws, reached seven semi-finals and three finals, where he was beaten in Australia, Roland Garros and US Open. As for Wimbledon, Zverev has not gone past the fourth round. This after being blessed with a physical frame made for tennis at 6ft 6inch, a powerful serve and ...