Carlos Alcaraz is ready to fulfill his destiny and win a Grand Slam final on all three surfaces ahead of his French Open final against Rafael Nadal's first-round conqueror Alexander Zverev.
of alcaraz 5-set semifinal win over Jannik Sinner Making him the youngest player to reach a Slam final on hard court, grass and Parisian clay.
“I knew I checked my phone after I won,” the Wimbledon champion said. “Yes, it’s really great. Breaking a new record is good for me.
“Honestly, it’s something I didn’t really want to think about before the final, but obviously it means I’m playing good tennis on all surfaces and it’s something I really wanted to do when I started on tour.
“So it feels good, but I don’t want to think about it right now.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of Alcaraz's win over Daniil Medvedev in the Indian Wells final
The 21-year-old has reached his first final in Paris flawlessly since Nadal's departure, and possibly his last at this tournament.
Nadal's 14 wins in 19 years have defined this century's clay-court Grand Slams, but the Spaniard's influence can be traced back to Albert Costa and Carlos Moya, fellow former champions Juan Carlos Ferrero (now coach of Alcaraz).
“I have a special feeling about this tournament,” Alcaraz said.
“I remember running home from school, turning on the TV and watching the French Open.
“I've watched a lot of games and of course it's incredible that Rafa Nadal has been dominating this tournament for, say, 14, 15 years.
“I wanted to add my name to the list of Spanish players who won this tournament.
“Not just Rafa, but Ferrero, Moya, Costa, many Spaniards, legends of our sport who won this tournament, I would like to add my name to that list.”
Zverev defeated two-time runner-up Casper Ruud in the semifinals. A court case against him accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend has ended after a settlement was reached..
The 27-year-old was contesting a penalty order issued last October and a fine of €450,000.
Zverev has always maintained his innocence, and the agreement did not include a guilty plea.
After a difficult week off the court, Germany's fourth seed reflected on the difficulties she endured while chasing a first Grand Slam title.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Best action from Zverev's win over Nicolas Zarri in the Italian Open final
Zverev took the second set against Dominic Thiem and attempted to break through in the top of the fifth, but lost the 2020 US Open final.
And two years ago, while playing some of the best tennis of his career, he suffered a gruesome ankle injury in the semifinals against Nadal.
“It's not just this week. It's been in the last few years. It's as simple as that,” he said.
“Basically, from the US Open final where I was two points behind to being rolled over in a wheelchair here two years ago – it’s all part of my journey.
“Look, I'm in the final. I haven't won yet, but I just want to play my best tennis and give myself the best opportunity. If I can do that and lift that trophy, it would mean the world to me. will be.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Indian Wells quarterfinal match between Alcaraz and Zverev, which was canceled due to a bee swarm.
What's happening on Sky Sports Tennis?
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Discover all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA tours.
You can see all the biggest tennis stars in action ahead of the third Grand Slam, Wimbledon, in 2024. Sky Sports live broadcast They compete throughout the grass court season.
- Stuttgart Open (ATP 250, Andy Murray match) – June 10-16
- Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) – June 10-16
Watch the WTA and ATP tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. There is no contract, so you can cancel at any time.
