Carlos Alcaraz won his first-ever French Open title defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller by 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in the final at the Rolland-Garros.
With this win, Alcaraz became the youngest player (21) to win three major championships on three different surfaces eclipsing fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal who did it in 22 years and 6 months. Nadal has won a staggering 22 Grand Slams including a record 14 French Opens.
“Different tournaments, different aura,” Alcaraz said when asked to distinguish between three of his trophies “but I’m going to say, same feeling. I mean, winning a Grand Slam is always special.”
Alcaraz won the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023 and has a record of 3-0 when it comes to Grand Slam finals.
After a slow start, the Spaniard easily won the first set 6-3 and took early control of the match. The German came roaring back winning the next sets 6-2 and 7-5 hitting some formidable forehands and cheeky dropshots as he won five consecutive games to establish a two-sets-to-one lead. Alcaraz had saved his best for the last as he kept breaking Zverev at regular intervals taking the final two sets 6-1, 6-2.
This was a testament to Alcaraz’s tenacity, durability, and grit as he came from a set down to defeat his opponent in the final. In the post-match ceremony, he talked about the championship-winning mentality, he wants to acquire in his bid to become one of the best tennis players in the world.
“I want to be one of the best tennis players in the world, so I have to give an extra in those moments in the fifth set, I have to show the opponent that I am fresh, I’m like we are playing the first game of the match,” said Alcaraz.
On the other hand, Zverev yet again faced disappointment having lost in the semi-finals at three previous French Opens. He also lost the 2020 US Open final, a match in which he was just two points away from winning.
“I lost focus, and on my serve, I didn’t get the power from my legs anymore, which is weird. Because normally I do not get tired. I don’t cramp,” said the 27-year-old. “It’s an amazing career already. You’re already a Hall of Famer. You already achieved so much — and you’re only 21 years old,” he added
The focus will now turn to the grass as Wimbledon is set to begin at the end of July.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
