Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are in the final of the French Open for the first time and are fighting for the title.
For the first time in 19 years, two debutants will face each other in the final of the French Open. The last time two players who had never been in the Paris final competed for the title in Roland Garros was in 2005. At that time, the future dominator Rafael Nadal celebrated his first Grand Slam triumph against Mariano Puerta (ARG).
With Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, two “newbies” are once again fighting for the crown in Paris. Unlike Nadal and Puerta 19 years ago, however, the Spaniard and the German already have experience of major finals. Alcaraz is aiming for his 3rd triumph in his 3rd Grand Slam final (after the US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023). Zverev is in a major final for the 2nd time after losing in the final at the US Open 4 years ago.
In the US Open final, I was no longer a child, but I was still kind of a chick.
And before the big showdown, Zverev looked back on this defeat in New York against Dominic Thiem (AUT). “I was no longer a child, but I was still kind of a chick,” said the 27-year-old. Since then, however, he has developed both athletically and personally: “I hope that I will show that on the court on Sunday.”
The world number 4 could put an end to a long dry spell for the Germans. Germany has been waiting for a men’s Grand Slam victory since 1996, when Boris Becker triumphed at the Australian Open. “I will prepare well and do everything I can to win the match,” promises Zverev.
Alcaraz sets another record
Zverev’s opponent Alcaraz (ATP 3) is the youngest player in history to reach a major final on hard court, grass and clay. “Breaking new records is great, it’s a great success for me,” said Alcaraz. And it’s proof that the 21-year-old can play brilliant tennis on all surfaces.
I want to see my name on the winners list alongside all the legends who have already won this tournament.
Although Alcaraz is in the final at Roland Garros for the first time, he has a special relationship with this tournament: “I remember running home after school to turn on the TV and watch the French Open matches.” Now he wants to do everything he can to win the title. “I want to see my name on the winners’ list alongside all the legends who have already won this tournament,” says Alcaraz confidently.
Live notice
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You can watch the final of the French Open between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev live on SRF on Sunday from 3 p.m.
2024-06-08 14:31:00
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