Alcaraz outlasts Zverev over five sets to win first French Open title
Third seed Carlos Alcaraz hoisted a first French Open crown on Sunday after a five-set victory over the fourth seed Alexander Zverev. The match on Court Philippe Chatrier finished 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 after four hours and 19 minutes. Alcaraz, 21, becomes the youngest man to win trophies at Wimbledon, the US Open and the French Open.
"It's incredible you've won three Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces and you're only 21-years-old," said Zverev after receiving his runners-up trophy from six-time winner Bjorn Borg.
"You're an incredible player," he added. "To Carlos's team, you're doing an incredible job. To my team, we were close but not enough ... hopefully one day we will be able to hold this trophy together."
Alcaraz returned the compliments to Zverev.
"I know that everyone in my team is trying to help me improve as a player and grow up," he added.
"I call it a team but it is my family. It's amazing to have my real family here. I remember the time running home from school to watch the French Open on TV and now I'm holding the trophy in front of you."
Zverev started disastrously. He notched up two double faults on his way to losing his serve.
Chance
Fortunately for the 27-year-old German, Alcaraz was in equally munificent mood. And the Spaniard - the youngest man to appear in finals at Grand slam tournaments on hard courts, grass and clay - lost his own service.
They steadied their respective ships until Alcaraz, showing a more buccaneering spirit, broke to lead 3-2 and consolidated his advantage.
Read more on RFI English
Read also:
Zverev and Alcaraz strive to be the new name on French Open men's singles trophy
Zverev sees off Nadal to advance to second round at French Open
