Carlos Alcaraz made history on Sunday by overcoming Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set French Open final, becoming the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.
The 21-year-old showcased incredible resilience, battling through cramps and a 2-1 set deficit to triumph 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in a grueling four-hour and 19-minute match on Court Philippe Chatrier.
This victory adds the French Open title to Alcaraz’s Wimbledon crown from last year and his 2022 US Open win. He now sets his sights on the Australian Open, aiming to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
Zverev, seeded fourth and recently involved in a legal case over domestic abuse allegations, is still in search of his first major title. He has now lost two Grand Slam finals, both in five sets, the first being against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.
Despite Zverev’s high hopes, Alcaraz proved too formidable in crucial moments, evening their head-to-head record at 5-5. Before the final, Alcaraz expressed his desire to join the ranks of Spanish players like his idol, Rafael Nadal, who have won the French Open. His dream came true as he celebrated on the clay, head in hands, overwhelmed by his achievement.
A Rocky Start for Zverev
Alexander Zverev faced immediate challenges, double-faulting twice at the start, which led to an early break. Alcaraz also showed nerves in his first French Open final, but quickly found his rhythm, breaking Zverev in the fifth game and taking the first set.
The second set saw a shift as Zverev capitalized on multiple break points, taking control with a double-break lead and eventually winning the set comfortably. Alcaraz, however, fought hard in the third set but was undone by a late surge from Zverev, who took five consecutive games to win the set.
Alcaraz’s Comeback
Not one to give up, Alcaraz stormed back in the fourth set, breaking Zverev early and racing through the set despite needing medical attention for cramps. Zverev, with a strong record in five-set matches at Roland Garros, faltered in the fifth set, handing Alcaraz an early break.
A contentious line call in the fourth game, which was overruled by the chair umpire and later confirmed by Hawkeye, proved pivotal as Alcaraz held his nerve. He then broke Zverev again in the seventh game, thrilling the crowd with a stunning winner and sealing his victory with a powerful forehand that Zverev couldn’t return.
Alcaraz’s win marks a significant milestone in his young career, showcasing his talent and determination on the grandest stages of tennis.
