Tennis played in Paris - "Gladiator combat": Zverev misses winning the French Open crown
When Alexander Zverev's dream of winning a Grand Slam title was crushed for the second time in a nail-biting way, the tennis pro looked utterly gutted on the ground. Zverev missed his chance to reign in Paris, leaving him waiting longer for his debut Grand Slam championship.
The 27-year-old lost the highly-anticipated five-set final of the French Open against Spanish compatriot Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, 1-6, 2-6. Just a step away from claiming victory, Zverev couldn't seal the deal and failed to become the first male German professional tennis player to triumph at Roland Garros.
Legendary tennis player Boris Becker commended the two players at Eurosport: "What an incredible fight between two top-notch talents, it had everything to set our tennis hearts racing." he gushed.
Almost four years after his close defeat in the US Open, Zverev was forced to relinquish defeat once more in a five-set match. With a 2:1 set lead, a strong performance spanning the tournament couldn't help Zverev achieve the historic win as the first German player to win the French Open. Clocking in at 4:19 hours, Alcaraz snagged his third Grand Slam championship, a significant accomplishment.
The 21-year-old has made history as the youngest professional tennis player to hold a Grand Slam title on all three court types: clay, grass, and hardcourt. He had previously snatched the trophy at the 2022 US Open and won 2023's Wimbledon. Only his countryman Rafael Nadal, who was crowned at his French Open debut, was younger than Alcaraz.
Tennis legend Boris Becker's advice went unheeded by Zverev
After beating Norwegian Casper Ruud in the semifinals, Zverev declared, "When not now, then when?" Boris Becker, in a personal conversation in Paris, gave him counsel: "Bravado matters most. Show your opponent and the world: I'm here to win, not just play."
But Zverev stumbled out of the gate, double-faulting twice. A racket change didn't aid him, as Alcaraz assumed control with his versatile game and mind-boggling groundstrokes. The Spaniard, who had sidelined due to an elbow injury before the tournament start, appeared formidable and eager to win.
The momentum saw-sawed
Zverev, known for his resilience, clawed back after a sluggish start. He hit more aces, as well as more points in long rallies. Alcaraz faltered, hitting more errors.
From the third set, the momentum shifted back and forth. When Alcaraz was one game away from sealing the deal, Zverev remained calm and reclaimed the break with a sensational backhand cross. In the next set, Zverev again took the lead. But Alcaraz, who received medical attention for his aching thigh during the fourth set, regained his strength. The final set showed Zverev making more blunders.
First-time finals between newcomers
Zverev and Alcaraz, familiar foes from multiple matches, clashed in the finals for the first time since 2005. This high-pressure situation demanded strategic acumen, resulting in a tactically challenging contest. Heavy winds on Court Philippe Charriere seemed to perturb both players.
The queen of clay was crowned
In the women's final on Saturday, Iga Swiatek, an unstoppable 23-year-old, reigned supreme with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Italian sleeper Jasmine Paolini. Polish newspaper "Fakt" sang her praises as the youngest four-time Grand Slam queen in Paris. Swiatek, though, felt the comparison to clay maestro Rafael Nadal was hyperbole: "For me, he's above everyone else, a complete legend."
Paolini didn't leave Paris with a consolation prize, either. Teaming up with fellow Italian Sara Errani, she suffered a loss in the doubles finals against American Coco Gauff and Czech Katerina Siniakova with a score of 6-7 (5-7), 3-6.
Read also:
- The French Open, held annually in Paris, France, is considered one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments in tennis.
- Zverev's second near miss at a Grand Slam title occurred at the French Open in Paris, specifically in the final against Spanish opponent Carlos Alcaraz.
- Paris served as the judging ground for the highly anticipated International tournament, and Zverev, a German player, showcased his skills against Alcaraz from Spain.
- The final of the French Open took place on a historic Sunday, with Zverev failing to secure the victory in a tough-fought five-set match against Alcaraz.
- After the loss, another promising German tennis player, Sascha Zverev's brother, remained hopeful, recalling Becker's words, "When not now, then when?"
- Boosted by support and advice from his countryman Boris Becker, Zverev was determined to seize his opportunity at the French Open and become the first German player to claim the title.
- Alas, lackluster performance on the Lawn court in Paris left Zverev falling short and handing the title to Alcaraz, who is now the youngest professional to win a Grand Slam on all three court types, including clay, grass, and hardcourt.
- Eurosport's broadcast of the French Open final saw commentator Boris Becker praising both opponents for their valiant efforts in the five-set battle, ultimately won by the Spanish phenom, Alcaraz.
- Meanwhile, the tiebreak under the Cyclopean roof of Roland Garros saw the women's final conclude in a 6-2, 6-1 triumph for dominant Polish champion Iga Swiatek, who became the youngest four-time Grand Slam queen, surpassing Spanish legend Rafael Nadal's accomplishment.
