Carlos Alcaraz etched his name in tennis history on Sunday, becoming the youngest player ever to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces (hard court, grass court, and clay court) after defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set French Open final.
The 21-year-old Spaniard displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming a mid-match slump to defeat Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in a marathon match lasting nearly five hours.
Alcaraz’s victory fills the void left by the legendary Rafael Nadal, who was surprisingly knocked out in the first round. This win also makes Alcaraz the second Spaniard, alongside Nadal, to lift the French Open trophy under the age of 22.
The match was a seesaw battle, with Alcaraz dominating the first set before Zverev found his rhythm, winning the second and third sets. However, Alcaraz refused to give up. He regained his composure in the fourth set, forcing a deciding fifth set after a dramatic service hold.
With Zverev visibly fatigued, Alcaraz capitalized on his opponent’s waning energy, securing two early breaks in the final set. The passionate Parisian crowd roared their approval for Alcaraz, reminiscent of the cheers usually reserved for their beloved Nadal.
After a final forehand winner, Alcaraz collapsed on the court in celebration, mirroring the iconic celebratory pose of his countryman.
“You’re already a Hall of Famer,” a gracious Zverev said of Alcaraz after the match. “You’ve achieved so much at 21 years old. This is just the beginning for you.”
Alcaraz’s victory marks a new era in men’s tennis. With his historic achievement and seemingly limitless potential, the young Spaniard is poised to dominate the sport for years to come.
