French Open LIVE: Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev result and reaction from five-set thriller in men’s final
Alcaraz fought from two sets to one down to become the first player in men’s tennis history to win his first three grand slam titles on different surfaces
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev to win the French Open for the first time and lift a third grand slam title at the age of just 21. The Spaniard became the youngest player in tennis history to win grand slam titles on all three surfaces and defeated the German fourth seed in an epic five-set thriller at Roland Garros, battling from behind to win 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 in four hours and 19 minutes.
In what was the first French Open men’s final without either Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer since 2004, Alcaraz held his nerve to defy defeat and he produced a stunning series of passing shots in his comeback. The third seed took a medical timeout in the fourth set but prevailed to extend his perfect record in grand slam finals to three wins from his first three appearances.
Alcaraz, who had previously won the US Open and Wimbledon, is now an Australian Open title away from completing the career grand slam. Meanwhile, Zverev missed the chance to win his first grand slam title, with the 27-year-old losing the US Open final from two sets up against Dominic Thiem in 2020. The German was a set from glory before Alcaraz produced a stunning escape to win the title.
Follow all the latest tennis scores and results from the final day at the French Open below.
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to claim third Grand Slam title
Runner-up Alexander Zverev, speaking on court: “First of all, in relation to Carlos, third Grand Slam, 21-years-old, it’s incredible. You’ve won three different ones, you are already a hall-of-famer, you have won so much and you’re only 21. An incredible player and not the last time you are going to win this.
“To the [Alcaraz] team, well done. I wish I could say otherwise, but too good today. All of you are unbelievably nice guys so I’m happy for you. Not today, but generally I am happy for you.
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to claim third Grand Slam title
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to claim third Grand Slam title
And now it’s the turn of the French Open winner, Carlos Alcaraz. He strides up to the stage with a big grin on his face before being handed the Coupe des Mousquetaires but six-time French Open champion Bjorn Borg.
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to claim third Grand Slam title
A second major final ends in defeat for Alexander Zverev who strides onto the stage to collect his runners-up plate.
He says: “First of all, congratulations Carlos. A third grand slam at 21-years-old is incredible. You’re already a hall-of-famer and it’s not the last time you’re going to win this.”
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to claim third Grand Slam title
Swedish tennis legend Bjorn Borg is led out onto the stage for the presentation with a video playing to summarise his incredible career and the many wins he earned at Roland Garros.
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 to claim third Grand Slam title
The stage is being set for the presentation ceremony. Alexander Zverev has had a painful wait, he’s fallen short at the final hurdle once again in his pursuit of a first Grand Slam title but he gave his all.
Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of men’s tennis, was just too good on the day.
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 to claim third Grand Slam title
Carlos Alcaraz is the first men’s player in the Open era to win his first three Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces following his victories at the US Open and Wimbledon.
What a player.
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 to claim third Grand Slam title
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 Alexander Zverev
Here we go then.
Alcaraz starts off with a fine serve that Zverev gets back well. The Spaniard edges further and further into the court and crunches a series of backhands back at his opponent who eventually drills one into the net.
Zverev digs in though and takes the next point before Alcaraz moves back into the lead with a sidespinning drop shot. Zverev manages to get to the ball but flicks it wide. 30-15.
He’s one away! Zverev curls a forehand too long to give Alcaraz two chances at winning the Championship...
... there it is! Zverev goes into the net, Alcaraz drops to the floor and the French Open title is his. Game, set and match!
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