Carlos Alcaraz fought back to defeat Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set French Open final on Sunday, becoming the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.
The 21-year-old battled through cramps to recover from being 2-1 down in sets, ultimately winning the gripping contest 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 after four hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I was running when I finished school to put the TV on just to watch this tournament, and now I’m lifting the trophy in front of all of you, so thank you very much for everything,” an emotional Alcaraz said to his family.
Alcaraz adds the Roland Garros crown to the Wimbledon title he won against Novak Djokovic last year and the 2022 US Open. He now heads to the Australian Open next year with the chance to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.
Fourth seed Zverev, who recently settled a court case in Germany over domestic abuse allegations, is still searching for his first major title. Zverev had previously lost another five-set Slam final against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.
Despite his high hopes, Zverev was overpowered by Alcaraz in key moments, leveling their head-to-head record at 5-5. “It’s been amazing. The atmosphere, the support has been amazing,” said the 27-year-old Zverev.
Alcaraz, inspired by his idol Rafael Nadal, celebrated becoming the eighth Spanish champion by falling to the clay with his head in his hands. “Congratulations Carlos for this immense victory! Wonderful! Very happy for your successes! Vamos,” tweeted Nadal.
Zverev’s Nervy Start and Alcaraz’s Comeback
Zverev double-faulted on the first two points of the match and was broken in the opening game. Alcaraz, also nervous, framed a regulation forehand into the stands and double-faulted, gifting the break straight back. However, Alcaraz soon found his rhythm, breaking to love in the fifth game and pocketing the first set.
In the second set, Alcaraz saved three break points in a 10-minute first game but fell 3-2 behind and eventually lost the set as Zverev’s confidence grew. The German wrapped up an ultimately one-sided second set with a hold to love.
The third set saw Zverev continuing his strong form with three successive love holds, but Alcaraz managed to edge ahead. Serving into a strong breeze, Zverev was broken, but he fought back to win five consecutive games, taking the third set.
Alcaraz’s Resilience and Decisive Fifth Set
In the fourth set, Alcaraz broke early and raced through the set to force a decider, despite requiring medical treatment for apparent cramps. Zverev, who had a strong five-set record at Roland Garros, faltered as Alcaraz broke him in the third game of the fifth set.
Despite falling 0-40 down in the next game, Alcaraz held serve after a controversial line call was overruled by the chair umpire. This pivotal moment swung the match in Alcaraz’s favor. He secured a double break and eventually won with a powerful forehand that Zverev could not return, sealing a historic victory.
