Carlos Alcaraz Defeats Jannik Sinner, Advances to French Open Final Against Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish third seed, is one step away from his first French Open title after an intense semi-final match against the soon-to-be world number one, Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz demonstrated his tenacity by coming back twice from a losing position to secure a 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 victory. Despite missing two match points, one due to a net hit after a baseline rally and another due to a long forehand, he seized his third chance.

His next challenge will be facing the German fourth seed, Alexander Zverev, in the men’s final on Sunday. Sinner, the Italian second seed who had been dealing with cramps during the third set, was aiming for consecutive major titles after his Australian Open win in January.

However, Alcaraz prevailed as he gained strength throughout the match. Alcaraz expressed that finding pleasure in the struggle is crucial, especially in clay court matches that involve long rallies, last for hours, and go to five sets. The key, he said, is not just to fight, but to take pleasure in the struggle.

At just 21 years old, Alcaraz is on the brink of completing three parts of a career Grand Slam. He has already won the 2022 US Open and last year’s Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Zverev defeated Norwegian seventh seed Casper Ruud 2-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 in the second semi-final later on Friday. This match took place just a few hours after a trial in Berlin regarding domestic abuse allegations made by his former girlfriend was discontinued.