'Immense victory' - Rafael Nadal congratulates countryman Carlos Alcaraz on first French Open title

Carlos Alcaraz won his third Grand Slam trophy at Roland Garros 2024.

Carlos Alcaraz pulled off another marathon effort after his five-set semi-final against Jannik Sinner to win his first-ever French Open title. In Sunday’s final, he overcome Alexander Zverev in another five-setter to win 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in four hours, 19 minutes. Both were first-time finalists in Paris.

The final followed a similar script as the semi-final and saw the Spaniard draw level after falling two sets to one behind to secure a victory against Zverev. Alcaraz had not competed for three weeks due to a right arm injury before arriving in Paris.  He has now won a major crown for a third consecutive season.  

Zverev went home with the runner-up trophy, reaching the final after three semi-final appearances between 2021 and 2023. It is his best result at the clay-court major.

Alcaraz took on the mantle of the youngest man to win a Grand Slam on all three surfaces. He won the 2022 US Open hard court event, followed by a win on grass at Wimbledon in 2023. 

At 21 years and 35 days, Alcaraz is the second youngest player after Bjorn Borg (20 years and 27 days) to win his first three Grand Slam singles finals. He is also the youngest player to win singles titles at three different majors, moving ahead of Jimmy Connors. Connors was 22 years, and six months when he achieved the feat at the 1974 US Open.

ALSO READ: All records set by Carlos Alcaraz after winning 2024 French Open

Alcaraz also moved ahead of Novak Djokovic, nudging the Serb to the No. #3 position. 

Rafael Nadal was quick to congratulate Alcaraz, whom many see as Nadal’s successor, on X shortly after his win against Zverev. Other tennis personalities to congratulate Alcaraz were Iga Swiatek apart from former players Rod Laver and Billie Jean King. 

Rod Laver had a word of appreciation for Iga Swiatek, too, who had picked up her third straight Roland Garros trophy and fourth in five years.

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