Phil Spencer, Sports WriterPublished: 18:35, 9 Jun 2024Updated: 19:11, 9 Jun 2024
Carlos Alcaraz won his first-ever French Open with an epic victory over Alexander Zverev.
The Spaniard earned 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 at Roland Garros to claim the crown against his German opponent.
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Alacaraz becomes the first men’s player in the Open era to win his first three Grand Slams on three different surfacesCredit: AFP
While it is the 21-year-old’s first victory at the French Open, it is his third Grand Slam having won the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon last year.
For Zverev, defeat means that he misses out on the chance to win his first-ever major at the age of 27.
In claiming victory at the French Open, Alcaraz broke a unique record by becoming the youngest-ever player to win a Grand Slam on three different surfaces – hard, grass and clay.
Having won the US Open on a hard court in 2022, Alcaraz won Wimbledon on grass last year, before rounding off the set with his victory on clay on Sunday.
He does so at the age of 21 years and 35 days and beats the record previously set by his idol, Rafael Nadal, who was 22 years and 243 days when he did the same.
Alcaraz is also the youngest player in the Open Era to win Men’s Singles titles at three different Grand Slam events.
He also becomes the second youngest player in the Open Era to win all his first three Men’s Singles Grand Slam finals, older only than Bjorn Borg (20 years and 27 days).
An avid Real Madrid fan, Los Blancos took to social media to congratulate him on his success shortly after the win was confirmed.
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It was a grueling five-set victory for the fresh-faced SpaniardCredit: AFP
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Alcaraz could dominate men’s tennis for many years to comeCredit: Getty
They wrote: “Congratulations on your first @RolandGarros, dear @CarlosAlcaraz!
“We Madrid fans are very proud of your third Grand Slam.
“Today you have made us enjoy your wonderful tennis. Magnificent! Congratulations!”
Reacting to his victory on-court, Alcaraz said: “My team have been incredible the last month.
“We were struggling a lot with the injury. Coming back from Madrid, I didn’t feel well.
“Coming here and not practicing too much on the court. I’m grateful to have the team that I have.
“I know everyone in my team is giving their heart to help me improve. I call this a team but it’s a family.”
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