Best friend drives all night to see Niels McDonald in the final

It's these little stories on the sidelines of big-time sports that make a moment unforgettable. Niels McDonald achieved something this weekend that no German junior has managed since Alexander Zverev: He won a Grand Slam title. In the final of the French Open, the 17-year-old from Schwerin beat his friend Max Schönhaus from Soest 6-7, 6-0, and 6-3 .

But as impressive as this sporting success is, what made this day even more unforgettable for McDonald was a surprise guest in the stands.

"My best friend actually drove to Paris overnight to watch," McDonald happily recounted after his victory. "I texted him a little bit jokingly yesterday. Because I knew, of course, it would be a huge effort. I asked him if he would come, since I had tickets. Then he said, 'Okay, I'll come.'"

Without hesitation, the friend from Oldenburg, barely in possession of his driver's license, got into the car – an eight-hour drive lay ahead of him. A small adventure for him, but a huge sign for McDonald. "I was incredibly happy to see him," said the newly crowned Grand Slam champion. "It was simply special."

For McDonald, however, the triumph in Paris is just the beginning. "It's just the first step toward the big dream I want to fulfill," he said. After celebrating with the team, the training ground awaits again – in Stockholm, where he works at the academy of former professional Magnus Norman.