Carlos Alcaraz Forces a Decisive Fifth Set, Taking the Fourth 6-1
Just one set away from his maiden Grand Slam title, Zverev faced a relentless Alcaraz, who refused to make it easy. The fourth set saw heavier conditions and less intense sunlight, which seemed to favor Alcaraz. He swiftly broke Zverev in the second game with a couple of spectacular shots—a backhand lob winner and a forehand down the line—securing a 2-0 lead.
Alcaraz held his serve to love and continued to puzzle Zverev with deep counters and strategic dropshots, racing to a 4-0 advantage. Though Zverev broke back, Alcaraz required a medical timeout for his left leg. However, this did not hinder his performance as he broke Zverev again to lead 5-1. Despite some difficulty, Alcaraz clinched the set 6-1, with the physio attending to him once more.
Alexander Zverev Captures the Third Set 7-5, Leading 2-1
The third set resembled a rollercoaster, with both players experiencing shifting momentum. Alcaraz halted a five-game losing streak by holding serve at the start, but Zverev’s formidable first serve proved challenging for Alcaraz, leading Zverev to hold serve with ease in the second game.
Despite double-faulting at the start of the third game, Alcaraz found his rhythm, holding serve amidst energetic “Vamos!” shouts. The fifth game marked a potential turning point for Alcaraz with exquisite play, including a backhand winner and a crafty dropshot. The set resembled a strategic chess match, with Zverev making no unforced errors and Alcaraz holding serve.
Alcaraz forced triple break point on Zverev’s serve and converted the first, leading 4-2. However, Zverev bounced back, breaking Alcaraz’s serve and then saving three break points with tactical finesse, ultimately breaking back to level the match. Zverev capitalized on Alcaraz’s erratic forehand and served out the set, now leading the match.
Zverev Levels the Match by Winning the Second Set 6-2
As celebrities like Clive Owen, Sophie Marceau, and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg watched, Zverev started the second set with visible frustration. Missing three break points on Alcaraz’s serve, Zverev appeared desperate to regain control. Alcaraz varied his shot selection, keeping Zverev off-balance.
Zverev finally shifted the momentum by breaking Alcaraz to lead 3-2. The wind on Philippe-Chatrier increased, complicating play. Zverev’s forehand became a weapon, securing a double break and comfortably serving out the set 6-2.
Alcaraz Secures the First Set 6-3
The match opened with a performance by the Patroille de France, painting the sky with the French tricolore. Amidst a star-studded audience, Zverev served first but double-faulted twice, leading to an early break by Alcaraz.
After trading breaks, Alcaraz took control, exploiting Zverev’s errors to break serve and establish a 3-2 lead. His drop-shots troubled Zverev, and Alcaraz quickly closed the set 6-3 with varied and unpredictable play.
Road to the Final: Alcaraz and Zverev’s Journeys
Alcaraz, having previously won the US Open and Wimbledon, aims to complete his trio of Grand Slam titles. After overcoming early injuries, he defeated top players like Sebastian Korda, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, and endured a five-set semifinal against world No.1 Jannik Sinner.
Zverev’s journey included a first-round victory over Rafael Nadal, a five-set battle against Tallon Griekspoor, and triumphs over Alex de Minaur and Casper Ruud. As Zverev contends with personal controversies back home, he remains focused on his quest for a Grand Slam victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling final progresses!
