French Open: Carlos Alcaraz 'already a hall of famer' after Roland-Garros title, says Alexander Zverev
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByOli Gent
Updated 09/06/2024 at 19:36 GMT
Defeated French Open finalist Alexander Zverev has said that Carlos Alcaraz, the new champion at Roland-Garros, is "already a hall of famer" at the top of men's tennis after the Spaniard beat him to secure a third career Grand Slam. Alcaraz followed up his US Open and Wimbledon titles with the Paris crown, coming back from a set down to beat the fourth seed in five sets.
Zverev calls Alcaraz 'Hall of Famer' as he reacts to final defeat
Alexander Zverev believes Carlos Alcaraz is “already a hall of famer” after the Spaniard beat him in the French Open final.
The Spaniard claimed his third Grand Slam title with a maiden Roland-Garros crown to follow his US Open and Wimbledon victories.
The 21-year-old came from a set down to beat Zverev 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 in four hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, and followed in the footsteps of his compatriot Rafael Nadal in lifting the trophy in Paris.
Alcaraz’s rise to the top of men’s tennis has wowed the masses, and defeated finalist Zverev said in his post-match speech that in his mind the youngster had already been inducted into the sport’s hall of fame with his accomplishments to date.
He won his first major title in New York in 2022, beating Casper Ruud in four sets.
The following year, Alcaraz came back to defeat seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final for his second Grand Slam.
“Congratulations, Carlos,” the German fourth seed said. “A third Grand Slam, 21 years old. It’s incredible. You’ve won three different ones.
"It’s an amazing career already; you’re already a hall of famer. You’ve already achieved so much, and you’re only 21 years old. Incredible player, and not the last time you’re going to win this.
“To your team, well done. I wish I could say otherwise, but too good today. All of you guys are unbelievably nice and I’ve known you all for many, many years so I’m happy for you guys. Not today, but generally I’m happy for you.”
This was Zverev’s second Grand Slam final of his career following his 2020 US Open showdown with Dominic Thiem, where he lost out in five sets against the Austrian.
He is, however, the reigning Olympic champion following his gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, when he beat Karen Khachanov in the final.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/06/09/3985776-80891233-2560-1440.jpg)
Alcaraz reveals 'lot of doubts' at end of third set before miraculous comeback
“To my team as well, thanks not only for the last two weeks but for the long journey that we had since the injury on this court,” Zverev continued, referencing the serious ankle issue he picked up in defeat to Nadal in the semi-finals at Roland-Garros in 2022.
“We were close today; not enough but hopefully one day we’ll be able to hold this trophy together.
“Thank you very much for the past two weeks. It’s been amazing; the atmosphere was amazing, the support that I got was amazing. I really love to play on this beautiful court; one of my favourite courts on the tour. I’ll be back next year.”
Scan me
Share this article
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement