Alcaraz eyes history in final against Zverev

The 21-year-old defeated Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon last year and also lifted the US Open trophy as a teenager in 2022

Carlos Alcaraz says he is hoping to join the long list of Spanish French Open champions when he bids to become the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces in the final against Alexander Zverev on Sunday. 

The 21-year-old defeated Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon last year and also lifted the US Open trophy as a teenager in 2022.

Alcaraz downed incoming World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in five sets in the semi-finals and will be a slight favourite against Zverev, who is still yet to win a Grand Slam tournament. 

He is aiming to emulate his childhood hero and 14-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal—who won his first French Open when Alcaraz was only two years old—by lifting the trophy, as well as his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

“I have a special feeling at this tournament, because I remember when I finish school I’m running to my home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open,” Alcaraz said. “I watched a lot of matches. Of course Rafa Nadal dominating this tournament for, let’s say, 14, 15 years. It’s something unbelievable. “I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament. Not only Rafa. Ferrero, [Carlos] Moya, [Albert] Costa, a lot of Spanish players, legends from our sport that won this tournament. I really want to put my name on that list, as well.”

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