Carlos Alcaraz, the third seed, achieved a significant milestone by securing the French Open title, a feat many believed was his destiny. He triumphed over Alexander Zverev in a grueling five-set final.
The match, held on the clay courts of Roland Garros, ended with Alcaraz emerging victorious with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
Despite not performing at the same level of confidence and consistency that led him to his first two major victories – the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon the following year – the 21-year-old Spaniard persevered.
In doing so, he etched his name in history as the youngest male player to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces. Alcaraz, a native of Murcia, grew up playing on clay courts and always dreamt of winning the French Open.
The moment he secured his first match point with a forehand winner after a marathon match lasting four hours and 19 minutes, he fell onto his back in jubilation, reminiscent of the 14-time champion Rafael Nadal. “I used to watch the tournament on television, and now I’m the one hoisting the trophy,” Alcaraz remarked, who received the trophy from the six-time champion Bjorn Borg.
His opponent, the German fourth seed Alexander Zverev, had been on a 12-match winning streak on the red dirt and was aiming for his first Grand Slam title. However, the 27-year-old’s quest for the major title, which has long been anticipated, continues following his second loss in a Grand Slam final.