Carlos Alcaraz comes from behind to win French Open in five-set thriller with Alexander Zverev
CARLOS ALCARAZ can win the Career Grand Slam Down Under after beating Alexander Zverev from behind in the French Open final.
The German, who lost the 2020 US Open final to Dominic Thiem, lost the first set on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Carlos Alcaraz is the French Open champion for the first time[/caption] Alexander Zverev complained as he let his lead slip[/caption]But he bounced back to level the match in the second then recovered from 5-2 down to win five straight games and move within a set of victory.
Alcaraz claimed an early break in the fourth as he raced into a 3-0 lead, before a sumptuous drop shot made it 4-0.
But after Zverev got one of the breaks back for 4-1, Alcaraz needed a medical time-out to get some treatment on his left leg.
The break helped him, though, taking the next two games to force a decider.
Alcaraz got the early advantage in the fifth and final set when two woeful Zverev volleys and a double fault gifted three break points – before a needless backhand long confirmed the break.
An insurance break at 4-2 followed, presenting him with the chance to serve for the title.
A new, first-time French Open winner was guaranteed[/caption] Zverev changed his racquet after double faulting on the first two points of the match[/caption] Alcaraz enjoyed letting rip with his epic forehand[/caption] The Spaniard also showed his superb touch at the net[/caption] Zverev’s backhand is one of his biggest strengths[/caption]