Novak Djokovic congratulated Alexander Zverev after the German won the maiden Slam of his career. Zverev bested Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a five-set contest in the Roland Garros final to complete his lifelong dream of winning a Major.

The lanky German had ended on the opposite side of the result on three occasions in the Slam final, and finally, he was able to cross the last hurdle in the fourth final.

“Sasha, I have known you since you were 10 years old,” Djokovic posted on Instagram. “You were battling on the practice courts with my youngest brother while I was competing against your older brother, Mischa, on the big stage in both junior and pro circuit. I’ve nurtured a respectful and friendly relationship with your entire family for many years.”

Meanwhile, Zverev turned pro in 2013 but played against Djokovic for the first time in 2017. Zverev and Djokovic faced each other for the first time in the Italian Open with the former prevailing to win his maiden ATP 1000 Masters title.

Djokovic praised Zverev for his continuous endurance and fighting spirit despite being a diabetic patient.

“We had countless conversations on tennis tactics, strategic plays, life, family, business,” Djokovic added. “We had fun time on and off the court. Knowing what you had to endure with your illness since the young age, overcoming the greatest mental hurdle within yourself and shutting down critics who thought you would never win GS, makes this Grand Slam win even more special and memorable.”

The Serbian revealed he turned emotional when Zverev shared the most important moment of his career with his family members.

“Seeing the tears of joy you had together with your parents, brother and other team members made me emotional,” Djokovic wrote. “I’m happy that you made it and you absolutely deserve this success because you have worked so hard on every front to make it happen. Enjoy it 🙌👏💪🏆.”

Zverev will look to carry his good form in the grass season.