CONGRATULATION: Alexander Zverev Has Been Recognized As The Best Tennis Of All Time, Receiving Different Award From……………..read more.
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**Carlos Alcaraz, Crown Prince of Roland-Garros**
After his victories at the US Open and Wimbledon, 21-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz claimed another major title on Sunday by defeating Alexander Zverev (6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2) on the French Open clay court. This victory marks a symbolic passing of the torch from his idol and compatriot, Rafael Nadal.
**By Elisabeth Pineau | Published June 10, 2024, 1:02 AM (Paris)**
On June 9, the Spanish national anthem, Marcha Real, once again resonated over the Philippe-Chatrier Court, a familiar sound over the past two decades. However, this time the French Open’s champion is right-handed. The tournament began with the twilight of Rafael Nadal’s career and concluded with Carlos Alcaraz, his heir apparent, taking over the reins. Alcaraz’s victory, after a grueling 4-hour and 19-minute final against Germany’s Alexander Zverev, was a natural continuation of the legacy that began with Nadal.
Fifty years after Björn Borg’s first French Open win, the Swedish legend handed the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy to the young Spaniard from El Palmar. Alcaraz, who had dreamed of joining the list of Spanish champions at Roland-Garros since he was 6 years old, was thrilled to fulfill his childhood dream.
Alcaraz, mentored by Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 2003 Roland-Garros champion, spoke about how he would rush home from school to catch the matches on TV, especially those of Nadal, the master of the tournament. His journey began at age 4 when he first picked up a racket at Real Sociedad Club de Campo in Murcia, the same club where his grandfather played. His grandfather’s mantra of the “three Cs”—head, heart, and courage—has guided Alcaraz both on and off the court, shaping the ambitious smile he carries with him everywhere.
