Carlos Alcaraz shines at French Open, leaves Alexander Zverev singing praises

Germany’s Alexander Zverev has revealed that he was impressed with the energy of Spain’s young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz.

The 21-year-old is often regarded as one of the most highly-rated players currently playing men’s tennis, along with Italy’s Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz once again showcased his skills as he lifted the French Open after beating Zverev in the final in a five-set thriller on Sunday. The score was 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

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Zverev, who suffered his second defeat in the final of a Grand Slam and first since the 2020 US Open final, talked to the media after the match and called Alcaraz a ‘beast’ for showing incredible energy during the contest.

"We are both physically strong but he's a beast,” he said. “He's an animal for sure and the intensity that he plays tennis is different to that of other people. He can do so many different things. He changed his tactic a lot in the fifth set. So I had to play a lot higher, a lot deeper for me to not create as much power, especially with the shadows on the court.”

It was Alcaraz’s third Grand Slam title, an incredible feat, to say the least, for someone who has just turned 21.

Alexander Zverev suffered a defeat in the final of the French Open to Carlos Alcaraz.  

The Spaniard won his first major title back in 2022 after beating Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final by scores of 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3.

He then went on to defeat Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic in a breathtaking final at Wimbledon last year, with scores of 1–6, 7–6(8–6), 6–1, 3–6, and 6–4.

Alcaraz’s win on Sunday was his second title this year. His only other title in the 2024 season was the ATP 1000 event—Indian Wells—where he defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final in straight sets, 7-6, 6-1.