French Open final 2024 LIVE RESULT: Carlos Alcaraz BEATS Alexander Zverev to claim title in five-set thriller – reaction
CARLOS ALCARAZ has BEATEN Alexander Zverev to claim the 2024 French Open title.
It was a close affair, but the Spaniard edged the fifth set at Roland Garros to become the youngest man to win a major final on all three surfaces.
And Alcaraz will go home £2million richer following his French Open triumph.
- Explainer: What is the French Open 2024 prize money?
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Alexander Zverev* 3-6 1-2 Carlos Alcaraz
No such issues on serve for Alcaraz, who displays some exceptional hitting to finish several lengthy rallies.
Zverev ends the game by having an even longer back-and-forth with his dad in the stands.
Alexander Zverev 3-6 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
Zverev's frustrations are starting to grow as the mishits and unforced errors mount.
After shouting and looking to his dad in the crowd, though, he does enough to hold serve.
Alexander Zverev* 3-6 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz
A back-and-forth start to the second set as Alcaraz races into a 40-0 lead, only for Zverev to level the game and even set up a break point.
However, the German goes on to miss three chances to break serve before Alcaraz holds under pressure.
Alexander Zverev 3-6 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz breaks Zverev's serve again to win the opening set 6-3 in Paris.
After a nervy start from both players, the Spaniard got into his groove to win five of the last six games.
Credit: AP Alexander Zverev* 3-5 Carlos Alcaraz
He is made to work hard for it, but Alcaraz is now one game from taking the opening set after holding his serve.
Zverev pushes him hard, though, but can do little about several exceptional shots from Alcaraz.
Alexander Zverev 3-4 Carlos Alcaraz*
Alcaraz appears to be cruising to another break of serve, only for Zverev's height to come in handy.
The German smashes back a string of lobs from his opponent to draw himself level, before closing out a hold to keep the opening set alive.
Alexander Zverev* 2-4 Carlos Alcaraz
The Spaniard is taking control of the opening set after holding his serve.
Alcaraz has now taken three games in a row to move two clear of Zverev.
Alexander Zverev 2-3 Carlos Alcaraz*
Alcaraz is starting to show his brilliance as he produces a string of stunning returns against the Zverev serve.
His athleticism also shines through on his way to breaking Zverev to love.
Alexander Zverev* 2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz also seems calmer back on serve but Zverev is not letting up.
His powerful forehand causes problems for Alcaraz, but he does enough to hold and level the set with a beautiful drop shot.
Alexander Zverev 2-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
The nerves appear to be settling for Zverev as he gets his serve under control.
Alcaraz has little answer to the German, who claims his 65th ace of the tournament on his way to holding.
Alexander Zverev* 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz
A similar story on serve for Alcaraz as he also double faults in his opening service game to hand Zverev a two-point advantage.
The Spaniard is unable to recover, with Zverev taking his chance to immediately break back.
Alexander Zverev 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
A shaky start on serve for Zverev as he double faults to concede both the first two points of the match.
He rallies to level the game after changing racquets, but cannot prevent Alcaraz setting up a break point, which he takes with a powerful forehand.
Alexander Zverev* 0-0 Carlos Alcaraz
We are underway in Paris for the men's singles final at the 2024 French Open.
Both Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz are eyeing their first title at Roland Garros.
Here come the players
The 2024 French Open men's singles final is now just moments away with Alexander Zverev introduced to the Roland Garros crowd.
His opponent Carlos Alcaraz is next up as he makes his way out onto the court in Paris.
Zverev on recovery
Alexander Zverev will appear in his first French Open final two years on from suffering a serious ankle injury at Roland Garros.
He also lost the 2020 US Open final, his only previous Grand Slam final, in a five-set epic against Dominic Thiem.
Speaking ahead of today's final, Zverev explained: "Going from basically the US Open final where I was two points away, to being rolled off in a wheelchair here two years ago - it's all part of my journey.
"I'm in the final. I haven't won yet. I just want to play my best tennis and give myself the best chance. If I'm able to do that and if I am able to lift that trophy, it will mean the world to me."
Previous meetings
Today's French Open final will be the 10th meeting between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.
Here is their head-to-head record against each other (bold indicates final):
- Acapulco, 2021 - Zverev won 6-3, 6-1
- Vienna, 2021 - Zverev won 6-3, 6-3
- Madrid Open, 2022 - Alcaraz won 6-3, 6-1
- French Open, 2022 - Zverev won 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7)
- Madrid Open, 2023 - Alcaraz won 6-1, 6-2
- US Open, 2023 - Alcaraz won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
- ATP Finals, 2023 - Zverev won 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 6-4
- Australian Open, 2024 - Zverev won 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-4
- Indian Wells Open, 2024 - Alcaraz won 6-3, 6-1
What's been said
Carlos Alcaraz has a "special feeling" going into his first French Open final.
Ahead of facing Alexander Zverev, the 21-year-old Spaniard said: "I have a special feeling about this tournament.
"I remember when I finished school, running home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open.
"I watched a lot of matches - of course Nadal dominating this tournament for, let's say, 14, 15 years. It's something unbelievable and I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament."
Alexander Zverev's route to the final
- First round - Beat Rafael Nadal 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
- Second round - Beat David Goffin 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-2
- Third round - Beat Tallon Griekspoor 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (10-3)
- Fourth round - Beat Holger Rune 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2
- Quarter-finals - Beat Alex de Minaur 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4
- Semi-finals - Beat Casper Ruud 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2
Credit: Getty Carlos Alcaraz's route to the final
- First round - Beat J.J. Wolf 6-1, 6-2, 6-1
- Second round - Beat Jesper de Jong 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2
- Third round - Beat Sebastian Korda 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
- Fourth round - Beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3, 6-1
- Quarter-finals - Beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4
- Semi-finals - Beat Jannik Sinner 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Credit: Splash French Open prize money
Zverev and Alcaraz are guaranteed at least £1million in prize money ahead of today's French Open final.
This year's tournament features a total prize fund of £45.5million across the singles, doubles and wheelchair events.
Here is the prize money on offer to Zverev and Alcaraz this afternoon:
- Winner - £2million
- Runner-up - £1million
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of the French Open final.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev faces third seed Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros for the title.
Both players are looking to win their first French Open, with Alcaraz hoping to add to his previous Wimbledon and US Open victories.