Carlos Alcaraz used to sprint home from school just to catch the French Open on TV. Back then, he dreamed of one day playing on those iconic clay courts. Fast forward to now, and Alcaraz has not only played there but won the tournament, securing his third grand slam title at just 21 years old by defeating world No. 4 Alexander Zverev.
The Battle on Court, Philippe-Chatrier
Alcaraz’s win was anything but easy. He faced a relentless Zverev and had to return from two sets to one down. But Alcaraz’s signature determination shone through, making him the youngest player to win major titles on clay, grass, and hard courts.
“Honestly, first of all, I’m exhausted,” Alcaraz told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. “It was a really tough one. It is a dream come true for me. I really wanted to lift this trophy one day, and then to be able to do it is a great feeling.”
Marking the Win with a New Tattoo
Alcaraz plans to add a new tattoo to his collection to commemorate his triumph. He already has tattoos marking his US Open and Wimbledon victories. Now, he’ll add the Eiffel Tower and the date of his French Open win to his left ankle. It’s a fitting tribute, especially given an old photo he shared of himself at 12, watching the French Open near the Eiffel Tower.
Is he worried about running out of space for future tattoos? Not at all. “This is good news if that happens,” Alcaraz jokes. But he did note that he wouldn’t get a new tattoo for every subsequent French Open win.
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Joining the Elite Club of Spanish Champions
With his victory, Alcaraz joins a prestigious list of Spanish men who have won the French Open, a list led by the legendary Rafael Nadal. “I really wanted to put my name on that list as well,” said Alcaraz, who is now coached by 2003 French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Overcoming Injuries and Pushing Limits
Alcaraz’s journey to this title was challenging. An arm injury forced him to withdraw from the Italian Open, yet he bounced back spectacularly. Winning four of his seven matches in straight sets, he only went the distance against Zverev and new world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, making him the first man in the Open Era to win the semifinal and final of the French Open in five sets.
What’s Next? Wimbledon and the Olympics
Next up for Alcaraz is defending his Wimbledon title, followed by the Olympics in Paris, where he aims to compete in both singles and doubles, potentially alongside Nadal. “I’ve won Roland Garros, and I’m going to the Olympics,” Alcaraz declared. “I’m going to try to get both.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s journey is a testament to dreams coming true through hard work and resilience. As he sets his sights on new goals, you can’t help but feel inspired by his incredible story.
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