All Eyes on Paris: Alcaraz and Zverev for La Coupe des Mousquetaires

As the sun sets on another spectacular fortnight at Roland Garros, the tennis world eagerly anticipates the climax of the 2024 French Open. The men’s final, featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the sport’s brightest stars. Both players have navigated a challenging draw to reach this stage, and their showdown on the storied clay courts of Paris is set to be a match for the ages.

Carlos Alcaraz: The Rising Star

Carlos Alcaraz has rapidly ascended in the world of professional tennis, drawing comparisons to the esteemed Rafael Nadal due to his exceptional talent and maturity on the court. His recent victories over Zverev at Indian Wells, the US Open, and the Madrid final serve as a testament to his potential and skill, indicating a promising future for the young Spaniard. As evidenced by his five-set victory over Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz has exhibited an exceptional command of his game, showcasing unparalleled speed, superior forehand ability, greater versatility, and superior volleying skills when compared to Zverev. Furthermore, his previous success at this stage of a Grand Slam, unlike Zverev, highlights his motivation to triumph in Paris, a goal that resonates with his compatriots, including his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.

"I have a special feeling about this tournament," said Alcaraz. "I remember when I finished school, running home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open.

"I watched a lot of matches - of course Nadal dominating this tournament for, let's say, 14, 15 years. It's something unbelievable and I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament." Alcaraz has secured victories on the hard courts of the US Open in 2022 and the grass courts of Wimbledon in 2023. Now, he stands on the brink of claiming a title on the red clay of Court Philippe Chatrier in southwest Paris. If successful, he would become the youngest man to clinch a major championship on all three surfaces. Even now, he holds the distinction of being the youngest to reach finals on each surface. However, he is mindful of the fact that Zverev previously halted his progress at Chatrier.

“Sascha…he’s playing great tennis on clay,” Alcaraz said on Friday. “Big serve, big shots, really solid one.”

On Sunday, in his third major final, Alcaraz will look to stop the fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev.

Alexander Zverev: The Seasoned Competitor

Conversely, Alexander Zverev has experience performing on a large stage. The German is vying for his maiden Grand Slam victory. At the 2020 US Open, he finished second to Dominic Thiem despite blowing a two-set lead and falling in five sets.

Zverev's mental toughness has also been remarkably strong throughout this competition. Rafael Nadal was defeated by him in three sets. In the sixth, he overcame Tallon Girekspoor, trailing 1-4. Against Holger Rune, he overcame a two-set deficit. He ultimately ground Casper Ruud and Alex De Minaur after taking their blows. Zverev has demonstrated a strong ability to maintain composure, advance to the next idea, and overcome obstacles. He stated prior to the tournament that he believes he can defeat anyone when playing well.

"I've said it before and I'm going to say it now again: I was not ready. I was not ready to win my first Grand Slam final. I was not mature enough. I was maybe too much of a kid still. I didn't know what the occasion means. And, that's why I lost", Zverev reminisced about the events that transpired in an almost vacant Arthur Ashe Stadium amid the pandemic.

"I'm 27 years old now. So, definitely not a kid anymore. Already getting older. If not now, then when?" He added.

Alcaraz is third, and Zverev fourth, on the list of most match wins on clay since 2020.

“We have had very tough battles in the past,” the German said. "It is going to be a difficult match. It is a Grand Slam final, if you're in a Grand Slam, you deserve to be there. That goes for both of us."

The challenge comes with enormous expectations. Regarding who is winning, observers and fans are at odds. Although Zverev is favored due of his experience and tactical acumen, Alcaraz is a small favorite due to his youthful energy and recent form. In what should be a wonderfully dramatic finale to the championship, the match could go to five sets and include lengthy, exciting rallies.