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Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros: A rollercoaster ride to glory

Carlos Alcaraz rewrote the script at Roland Garros, claiming his first Grand Slam title in a thrilling five-set victory over Alexander Zverev (6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2).

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros

The Spaniard’s triumph wasn’t a smooth ride, but rather a gripping narrative of internal struggles and external clashes, showcasing his undeniable talent and ability to weather adversity.

 

Carlos Alcaraz initially resembled a whirlwind on the court. His aggressive style bullied Alexander Zverev around, forcing the German into defensive scrambles and exposing his fatigue. Zverev, burdened by nearly 20 hours of cumulative tournament play, appeared a stark contrast to the fresh-faced Spaniard. Alcaraz exploited this disparity, securing a commanding 6-3 lead in the first set.

Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros

However, the second set saw a dramatic shift. Alcaraz’s energy dipped, leading to a surge of unforced errors and a lack of discipline. Zverev, sensing his opponent’s vulnerability, pounced on the opportunity. He cleaned up his own game and capitalized on Alcaraz’s mistakes, taking a comfortable 6-2 lead. This swing in momentum left many wondering if Alcaraz’s Roland Garros dream would crumble.

Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros

Emotion

The third set became a psychological tug-of-war. Alcaraz initially regained his footing, leading 5-2. But a controversial chair umpire complaint from Zverev seemed to disrupt the German’s rhythm, offering Alcaraz a crucial window of opportunity. True to his reputation for embracing the “suffering” inherent in tennis, Alcaraz reveled in the grueling competition. He pumped his fist, cheered himself on, and displayed an infectious joy in the face of adversity.

 

Yet, Zverev wasn’t done yet. He reeled off five consecutive games in a stunning comeback to steal the set 7-5. This heartbreak could have shattered a lesser player. But Alcaraz, fueled by the challenge rather than discouraged, found a new level within himself.

Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros

The fourth set showcased a revitalized Alcaraz. With renewed focus and minimized errors, he dominated play. Even a medical timeout couldn’t derail his momentum. This set was a masterclass in resilience, showcasing Alcaraz’s ability to adapt and respond to pressure. It ended decisively 6-1, sending a clear message to Zverev that the young Spaniard wasn’t going anywhere.

 

The final set was a display of contrasting energies. Zverev, seemingly drained both physically and emotionally, struggled to match Alcaraz’s youthful explosiveness. The Spaniard, brimming with confidence, dictated the pace with his powerful baseline shots and aggressive net play. He minimized errors, controlled the rallies, and eventually sealed the victory with a convincing 6-2 win.

Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros

The triumph

This wasn’t just a personal triumph for Alcaraz; it was a celebration for his entire team and family. The jubilant scenes in the stands reflected the collective effort that had culminated in this historic moment.

Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros
Alcaraz conquers Roland Garros / Photo via Roland Garros

The victory also has significant ranking ramifications. With Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal, Alcaraz soars from No. 3 to No. 2 in the world. Jannik Sinner, his semifinal opponent, benefits from Zverev’s defeat, moving from No. 2 to No. 1. Djokovic drops to No. 3, while Zverev remains at No. 4 despite the valiant effort.

 

We hope you enjoyed this article about Roland Garros 2024, If you did, please share it with others. You might also be interested in reading our article about Roland Garros 2024, or browsing other reviews in our Active section.

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