Carlos Alcaraz has made history by winning his first French Open and his third Grand Slam title overall, defeating Alexander Zverev in a gripping five-set final. The 21-year-old Spanish star showcased his exceptional talent with a final score of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, Alcaraz delivered a running, sliding, down-the-line forehand passing winner that left spectators in awe. Celebrating his victory, he raised his right index finger in a \"No. 1\" gesture and exclaimed, \"Vamos!\", signaling his determination to stay at the pinnacle of men's tennis.
Although Alcaraz is not currently ranked No. 1—his semifinal opponent, Jannik Sinner, is set to claim the top spot next week—Alcaraz's performance underscores his position as one of the brightest talents in the sport, surpassing legends like Rafael Nadal in achievements at a young age.
Growing up in Spain, Alcaraz idolized Nadal, who has dominated Roland Garros with a record 14 titles. Now, Alcaraz has become the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces, marking him as a versatile and formidable competitor in men's tennis.
Zverev, the 27-year-old German player, praised Alcaraz's remarkable career, stating, \"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.\" Despite his loss, Zverev remained optimistic about Alcaraz's future, calling him an \"incredible player\" and confident that his success is just the beginning.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com