Playing Tennis: A Guide to the Game - Zverev Advances to French Open Final Against Alcaraz
Alexander Zverev gleefully lifted his racket in victory and flashed a satisfying grin. The renowned German tennis player had conquered his French Open semifinal rival, becoming the first time he reached the finals in Paris in his fourth go-around. The 27-year-old surmounted Norwegian Casper Ruud 2:6, 6:2, 6:4, 6:2, now just one victory away from securing his dreamed-of initial Grand Slam trophy.
In Sunday's finals, Zverev goes head-to-head with Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (21), who previously defeated fellow young star Jannik Sinner (22) 2:6, 6:3, 3:6, 6:4, also making his debut in the Roland Garros finals. Zverev claimed his first match point, reaching a significant milestone in 2 hours and 35 minutes. Earlier, his ongoing trial in Berlin over accusations of bodily harm concluded without a decision.
Zverev, the Olympic winner, is competing in the French Open's second Grand Slam final in 28 years – the first one being against Dominic Thiem at the U.S. Open in 2020, where he narrowly missed his long-sought-after triumph.
Zverev found his groove in the second set.
Ruud, who took advantage of Djokovic's injury-related loss in the quarters, initially appeared collected and sharp. Zverev surrendered his first service game effortlessly and had little to counteract his opponent's diverse play style.
However, beginning in the second round, Zverev discovered his rhythm. His shots became more potent, his first serve more consistent, and Ruud bore the brunt of the pressure. Physically, he appeared to be straining, slumping over after ball exchanges frequently.
Zverev received a significant boost before the game's first serve: The trial against him concluded without a verdict. Berlin's District Court, Tiergarten, discontinued proceedings against a fine of 200,000 euros. There was no conviction. Even with the payment of a fine, no guilt was admitted. Zverev stays innocent.
Alcaraz shatters records as Grand Slam finalist
Alcaraz set a remarkable record with his stunning win against the rising world number one, Sinner, in their competition; he's the youngest player during the professional era to have reached a Grand Slam final on all clay, grass, and hard surfaces. Winning in his previous Grand Slam finals at the US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023 was matched by this feat.
"This was undoubtedly one of the hardest matches I've ever played," said Alcaraz, who, like his peer, was forced to endure muscle spasms: "Finding happiness amid suffering is crucial, particularly on the clay courts at Roland Garros."
Paolini's two title possibilities
At the women's competition, world number one Iga Swiatek from Poland meets Italian outsider Jasmine Paolini in Saturday's showdown. Paolini also has an opportunity for a double title in Paris as she and Sara Errani proceeded to the doubles finals on Friday, defeating Marta Kostyuk from Ukraine and Elena-Gabriela Ruse from Romania 1:6, 6:4, 6:1. Waiting for them in the finals are Coco Gauff from the USA and Katerina Siniakova from the Czech Republic.
Read also:
Zverev's victory over Ruud in the French Open semifinals marked his final appearance in a Grand Slam final in Paris, having previously fallen short against Dominic Thiem at the US Open in 2020. As he prepares for his final against Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev reflects on his journey, which included a successful second set and a decisive boost from a court verdict in Berlin.
Alcaraz's impressive run in the tournament has seen him become the youngest player in the professional era to reach a Grand Slam final on all surfaces, following his wins at the US Open and Wimbledon. The Spanish sensation will face Zverev in Sunday's final, determined to secure his first major title.
Despite his younger opponent's impressive form, Zverev remains confident, drawing on his experience and recent success. As the match looms, both players prepare for a grueling final, knowing that one will walk away with the coveted French Open trophy.
Meanwhile, in the women's competition, world number one Iga Swiatek faces Italian outsider Jasmine Paolini in the showdown, with Paolini also having a chance to claim a doubles title alongside Sara Errani in the finals on Friday.
Germany's tennis scene extends beyond the French Open, with ex-player Michael Stich also making headlines. Stich, a former Wimbledon champion, recently criticized the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for not adequately supporting older players in their transition to retirement.
The ITF, however, has defended its stance, citing financial constraints and prioritizing the development of younger players. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of balancing the needs of established and emerging talent in the sport of tennis.
Meanwhile, Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff has been making waves in the men's circuit, with his recent performance in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. Struff's success has reignited hopes for a resurgence in German tennis, with many eagerly awaiting his next tournament appearance.
Finally, the US Open, another major Grand Slam tournament, is set to start in New York later this year. With players like Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev vying for the title, the competition promises to be fierce and unforgettable.
As the tennis world prepares for another thrilling season, the anticipation grows for remarkable performances, new records, and the ultimate battles between the game's biggest stars. From Berlin to Paris, and all the way to New York, the excitement of tennis never fades.
