Occasionally resourceful, occasionally sharp-edged, sometimes relying on blunt strength
A 21-year-old Spaniard named Carlos Alcaraz has claimed his debut victory at the French Open and remains unbeaten in his third Grand Slam final. In an impressive showdown against Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz displayed extraordinary strength in the last two sets, outperforming his opponent in terms of physicality. The international press lauded his achievement.
Spain
"Mundo deportivo": "Alcaraz makes a heroic comeback as the new historical champion of Roland Garros. Carlos Alcaraz endured struggle like few others to accomplish one of the biggest dreams of his youth."
"Sport": "Monumental! Alcaraz, Roland Garros champion!"
"Marca": "Alcaraz overcomes a tough final battle and crowns himself the new king of Roland Garros. (...) The Spaniard sealed his fate by winning a fifth set."
"As": "Alcaraz dreamed, and his dreams sometimes come true."
"El Pais": "Roland Garros crowns an unstoppable Alcaraz after he mounts a comeback against Zverev."
Italy
"Gazzetta dello Sport": "Three for three. Three finals and three Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces, (...). Another victory in the fifth set, just like in the semifinal against the Italian (Jannik Sinner), who currently leads the world rankings but is already home preparing for the grass game."
France
"L'Équipe": "Year after year, Carlos Alcaraz broadens his expertise. Two years ago, he won the US Open on hardcourt, a year ago on grass at Wimbledon. On Sunday, the Spaniard won his third Grand Slam title."
"Le Parisien": "Following a heated first set, two more challenging fights, Carlos Alcaraz ultimately shifted the momentum to clinch his first victory at the French Open at the age of 21. His track record is remarkable. The worthy inheritor."
Austria
"Kleine Zeitung": "Carlos Alcaraz beats Alexander Zverev after nearly five hours of play. Carlos Alcaraz triumphed! The Spaniard vanquished the German Alexander Zverev in the French Open final and won his first championship in Paris."
Switzerland
"Blick": "Alcaraz is crowned king of Paris. Hardcourt, grass - and now also on sand: Carlos Alcaraz wins his third Grand Slam title as the youngest competitor in each domain. He overpowers Zverev in five sets at the French Open final. (...) The youngster, who has "Cabeza", "Corazon", and "Cojones" inked on his arm, proves in Paris that he owns true intelligence, enthusiasm, and, now, courage. He consistently discovers solutions in critical moments. Sometimes via cunning tactics, other times with a delicate touch, or with raw intensity."
"Tagesanzeiger": "An extraordinary feat: Alcaraz mimics Nadal's footsteps."
United Kingdom
"Daily Mail": "It back and forth (...), but Carlos Alcaraz realized his dream of becoming champion at the French Open. The outstanding 21-year-old trumped Alexander Zverev in five engrossing sets, earning his place alongside the honorable Spaniards who have previously won the coveted title."
"The Sun": "Carlos Alcaraz persevered through leg cramps to fulfill his dream of being named champion at the French Open. While the 14-time champion inches towards retirement, Paris now has a fresh Spanish hero to adore on the Parisian red sand of Court Philippe-Chatrier."
