French Open final score, result as Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev in Roland-Garros 2024 men's decider

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Joshua Mayne
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Carlos Alcaraz
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Carlos Alcaraz has triumphed over Alexander Zverev in the 2024 French Open men's singles final.

The Spaniard took the first set but soon enough found himself down 2-1 to the more experienced German.

However, he lost just three more games from then on, powering to an impressive five-set victory.

It was a record-breaking afternoon for 21-year-old Alcaraz, becoming the youngest male player to win majors on all three surfaces – hard court, grass and now clay.

MORE: How much do French Open winners earn? | Full French Open 2024 bracket | Who is the world No.1 in men's tennis?

French Open men's final: Score, result for Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev

  Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5
Carlos Alcaraz 6 2 5 6 6
Alexander Zverev 3 6 7 1 2

Carlos Alcaraz outlasts Alexander Zverev for maiden French Open crown

Neither Alcaraz nor Zverev had lifted the trophy at Roland-Garros before Sunday, so this year's final was full of feeling.

It was a rough start for the German, who started the match with a double fault before being broken in his first game. He was able to break Alcaraz immediately in response, but eventually lost the opening set 6-3.

The Spaniard appeared to be in control, but Zverev flipped the script as he took a commanding second-set victory. 

Momentum shifts were a consistent theme throughout the match. Alcaraz was up 5-2 in the third set before collapsing and falling 7-5.

This didn't discourage the No. 3 seed though, who powered back, taking the match by the scruff of its neck. Alcaraz gave up just three of the next 15 games, seemingly breaking his opponent's serve at will. 

The five-set battle took four hours and 19 minutes, with Alcaraz collapsing on the spot after winning match point.

Zverev was full of praise for his opponent during the trophy ceremony.

"Congratulations to Carlos," he said.

"Twenty-one years old, third Grand Slam... it’s incredible, you’ve won three different ones.

"Amazing career, you’re already a hall-of-famer."

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Alexander Zverev score updates and highlights from French Open 2024 men's final

*denotes server

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 Alexander Zverev - ALCARAZ WINS THE FIFTH SET AND THE MATCH

A slightly nervy start to this game for the 21-year-old, but you can't blame him. Two sloppy shots from Zverev gave Alcaraz two championship points, but he only needs one! The Spaniard plants the ball in the bottom right corner and his opponent can't return it. A maiden triumph at Roland-Garros for Alcaraz, and his third grand slam tournament win.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 5-2 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz double break! A thundering forehand down the line gives Alcaraz a 0-15 advantage. He then follows that up with more powerful shots, before somehow pulling off a cross-court passing shot at full stretch. With three break points on hand, Alcaraz unleashes a killer forehand winner down the left. Four points left to win for the championship.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 4-2 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz doesn't play with much vigour and fails to clear the net twice as he goes 15-30 down. He manages to pull himself back up momentarily and hit a pair of winners, but then falls back to deuce. Zverev brings up break point after a strong volley, but Alcaraz responds proactively and hits a winner at the net, before executing a brutal passing shot. With the score back at deuce, Zverev makes two critical errors, failing to clear the net in the middle of straightforward rallies. The Spaniard is two games away from lifting the trophy now.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 3-2 *Alexander Zverev

Zverev gets to business, flying out to a 30-0 lead. Alcaraz shows off his agility in the next point, hitting an impressive cross-court winner. It unravels for Zverev after that, making two avoidable errors before Alcaraz makes him pay with a perfectly-placed winner at deuce to bring up break point. Zverev impressively gets himself out of that jam though, serving strongly and hitting cleanly.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 3-1 Alexander Zverev

Almost identically to the previous game, the server goes 0-30 behind following a bad net error. Alcaraz then gives Zverev three break points after an untimely misplaced shot during a powerful rally. The Spaniard fights back with a crafty passing shot. Zverev thinks he has won the game after a potential double fault from Alcaraz, but the chair umpire disagreed, much to the German's dismay. Alcaraz manages to fight back to deuce, capped off by a winner that grazes the baseline. The following point features a wild sequence, where Alcaraz returns consecutive volleys but ultimately loses out. Zverev can't capitalise on his fourth break point of the game, though. Somehow, Alcaraz recovers to consolidate his break.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 2-1 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz breaks! Down 0-15, Zverev makes a very poor error at the net to fall to 0-30. The crowd rallies in support of Alcaraz before the German commits a double fault to give his opponent three break points. Zverev saves one point but sends a ball deep in the next point. A huge break of serve in the context of this match.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 1-1 Alexander Zverev

Zverev puts some pressure on, but Alcaraz does enough to keep this fifth set on serve, winning to 30. Very hard to predict which way this match goes.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 0-1 *Alexander Zverev

Bar a double fault at 30-0, it's a strong start for Zverev. He's hitting his shots with authority and doesn't appear to be deterred by his poor fourth set.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 Alexander Zverev - ALCARAZ WINS THE FOURTH SET

Another dip in quality this game. Some sloppy shots from Alcaraz give Zverev two break points, but he responds by also making some poor decisions. The German has another break opportunity, which he quickly blows, losing three consecutive points and giving the set to Alcaraz. We haven't seen both players hit their top level simultaneously in this match – will we see it in this fifth and deciding set?

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 5-1 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz breaks again! A bit of a drop in level here as both players struggle to hit their shots. At 30-30, Alcaraz makes a nifty return, but can't win the following break point. Zverev goes on to hit some strong volleys but then falls apart, hitting a pair of unforced errors. Alcaraz is now one game from forcing this to five sets.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 4-1 Alexander Zverev

Zverev breaks back! In a flash, the German takes the fifth game of the set. He plays a nice variety of shots to bring himself closer to Alcaraz. Following the game, Alcaraz receives a visit from the tournament medic, who focuses on his knee and thigh.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 4-0 *Alexander Zverev

Double break for Alcaraz! In this match of swings and roundabouts, it's now Zverev's turn to fall flat. He starts this game with a double fault and is lucky to win the next point, with Alcaraz's passing shot only millimetres out. Alcaraz got him on the next two points though, jamming a nifty shot into the corner before playing a perfect spinning drop shot, which Zverev had no chance of reaching. The Spaniard is on fire.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 3-0 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz is full of confidence now. He wins to love in quick fashion. 

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 2-0 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz breaks! After Zverev wins an enthralling rally, Alcaraz responds with a beautiful looping shot over his opponent's head to make it 15-30. A bit of controversy follows, with Zverev's shot called out by a line umpire. Zverev wasn't impressed with the lateness of the call, but the chair umpire confirmed the decision. With two break points in hand, Alcaraz sent the ball beyond the baseline but takes the next point with a majestic, curving forehand down the line. He's pumped. 

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 1-0 Alexander Zverev

That trusty drop shot isn't serving Alcaraz as well anymore, as he starts the fourth set with an unforced error. He plays well for the remainder of the game, hitting shots cleanly and winning the next four points. Zverev appears a little frustrated.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-7 *Alexander Zverev - ZVEREV WINS THE THIRD SET

Zverev begins the game with a simple but effective serve and volley. Alcaraz sends the next point wide to put Zverev up 30-0. The Spaniard wins the next point with a perfectly-angled cross-court shot, before pushing his opponent out wide to make it 30-30. However, Zverev responds immediately with an ace to bring up set point, which he fails to take despite some wonky shots in the rally from Alcaraz. Alcaraz then brings up break point but sends a shot long. On set point No. 2, Zverev makes no mistake, hitting a pair of clean overhead volleys. 

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-6 Alexander Zverev

Another break! Alcaraz loses the first point but is able to use his trustworthy drop shot to make it 15-15. He is still a bit off it though, flicking the ball too deep and then sending the ball into the crowd in the next two points. Zverev is aggressive on Alcaraz's second serve on break point, leading to an unforced error from his opponent. Zverev is just one game away from a commanding 2-1 set lead now.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-5 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz is starting to lose his concentration a bit, making three unforced errors as Zverev consolidates his break. It feels as if the German is back in control of this one, as we sit at 5-5 in the third set.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-4 Alexander Zverev

Zverev breaks back! It was a nervy start to the game for Alcaraz, messing up two delicate drop shots in a row. Zverev had a chance to go up 0-40 but send his backhand wide left. He then hits a routine shot well deep and gestures helplessly towards his player box. However, he was aided by an Alcaraz unforced error before crushing a shot past the Spaniard on break point.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-3 *Alexander Zverev

In a must-win game to stay alive in this third set, Zverev begins with a blistering ace. Alcaraz responds by controlling the following point, moving Zverev around at will throughout the rally. He's looking just like the player who won the first set convincingly. However, the German is able to navigate his way back from 15-30 to take the game.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 5-2 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz struggles with his serve and hits some sloppy shots, gifting the German free points. Zverev has himself a break point but hits the ball with the side of his racquet. Alcaraz then brings up his third double fault of the match to give his opponent another chance to break but the 21-year-old stays alive with a serve and volley. Zverev has a third break point opportunity but can't deal with yet another Alcaraz drop shot.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 4-2 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz breaks – wow! Zverev appeared to be in control of the match, but the Spaniard has flipped the momentum. He stands closer to the baseline to return Zverev's serve, which helps him neutralise points. That pickle juice he had before this game has also done wonders...

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 3-2 Alexander Zverev

Zverev fires past Alcaraz – who is standing too close to the net – to win the opening point. Alcaraz wins the next three points though, utilising his drop shot to great effect. However, the momentum flips quickly, with Zverev winning the next two points to make it deuce. The Spaniard is able to keep his cool and hold serve, though. He celebrates passionately towards the crowd.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 2-2 *Alexander Zverev

Both players are playing well so far in this set, but Zverev is a step above at the moment. He hits a beautiful forehand winner before wrapping up the game with an ace, winning to love.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 2-1 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz commits another double fault to make it 15-15. He responds with a pair of bullet first serves to win the next two points though, before smacking a forehand winner down the line. That will do his confidence a favour.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 1-1 *Alexander Zverev

No fuss from Zverev, who wins to love. He has reduced his unforced errors and is striking the ball very cleanly.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 1-0 Alexander Zverev

An important hold for Alcaraz, who is looking to try and regain control of this match. A double-fault at 40-15 makes things a little tense, but he hits a big first serve and then executes a nice little drop shot to win the game. 

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-6 *Alexander Zverev - ZVEREV WINS THE SECOND SET

Efficient. Zverev hits two aces on his way to wrapping up the set. A commanding turnaround from the German. 

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-5 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz hasn't been serving his best this afternoon, but he serves strongly to start this game. He is in control at 40-15 before Zverev hits a zinging forehand winner. The German then holds on in a hard-hitting rally to bring the score to deuce. Like the opening game of the set, it's another tense and topsy-turvy finish. A double fault from Alcaraz ultimately hands the game to Zverev, who is now in full control of the set – he's up a double break.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-4 *Alexander Zverev

The longer this match goes on the longer the rallies are getting. Both players execute some nice shots to bring it to 40-40. Alcaraz appears to have won the point at deuce with a wide-angled drop shot, but Zverev somehow reaches it and responds with the same shot in a stunning exchange. He then goes on to consolidate his break.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-3 Alexander Zverev

Zverev breaks! Alcaraz completely messes up a volley in the opening point before quickly going down 0-30. He outlasts Zverev in a monster rally during the next point but then undoes his work with an errant forehand, handing his opponent two break points. Zverev navigates the strong winds on the court to break Alcaraz's serve on the second calling.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-2 Alexander Zverev

Zverev holds in serve in a couple of minutes. He plays some clean tennis and is aided by some sloppy shots from Alcaraz.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 2-1 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz hits a stunning forehand winner – arguably the point of the match so far – down the line to make it 40-15. Zverev hits yet another unforced error into the net, and yells towards his team in frustration.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 1-1 *Alexander Zverev

A much quicker game this time. Zverev appears to have grown in confidence this set, but is still struggling to clear the net on some points.

*Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 1-0 Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz begins the game in exciting fashion and goes up 40-0. He mixes up his shots to perfection, ensuring Zverev can't get into a rhythm. Zverev fires back though, winning four consecutive points and bringing up break point. In fact, he brings up a trio of break points throughout this 10-minute game. Somehow though, Alcaraz manages to serve his way out of trouble and avoids a bad start to the set.

Carlos Alcaraz 6-3 *Alexander Zverev - ALCARAZ WINS THE FIRST SET

Both players struggle to clear the net in the opening chunk of this game, exchanging unforced errors for the first four points. Alcaraz then brings up the first set point of the match and wins it emphatically, moving Zverev around the court with ease and finishing with a commanding cross-court smash.

*Carlos Alcaraz 5-3 Alexander Zverev

The nerves are dissipating and the match is opening up nicely. This game is full of entertaining rallies, with Alcaraz executing some impressive volleys at the net. He is one game away from the first set.

Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz dictates the first two points, using a mixture of drop-shots and powerful forehands. He has two break points but hits it into the net on both occasions. A timely ace at deuce helps Zverev secure a much-needed hold.

*Carlos Alcaraz 4-2 Alexander Zverev

A strong game sees Alcaraz consolidate his break. In longer rallies against Zverev, he's got the edge.

Carlos Alcaraz 3-2 *Alexander Zverev

Alcaraz breaks Zverev's serve again! The German begins the game in a shaky manner, hitting a ball with the side of his racquet. Alcaraz then plays some great rallies to force his opponent into a few unforced errors, breaking him to love.

*Carlos Alcaraz 2-2 Alexander Zverev

Some strong serves help win Alcaraz the first two points before Zverev outpowers him in a rally to make it 30-15. The Spaniard goes on to hold, though.

Carlos Alcaraz 1-2 *Alexander Zverev

Zverev has his confidence back while serving, sending some absolute rockets Alcaraz's way. He makes one unforced error but is faultless otherwise. First serves will be crucial in this match, it appears.

*Carlos Alcaraz 1-1 Alexander Zverev

Break back! Now it's Carlos' turn to be nervous... He sends an errant shot into the stands before double-faulting to make it 0-30. Zverev plays aggressively at the net for the remainder of the game to win to 30.

Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 *Alexander Zverev

Zverev starts the match with consecutive double faults... He then changes his racquet before delivering a powerful ace down the middle. Both players send some forehands wide to bring it to deuce. Alcaraz executes a beautiful volley at the net and then hits a powerful winner to break Zverev's first service game. A cracking start for the 21-year-old.

3:10 pm: Alcaraz wins the toss and will receive first. Not long to go now, players are warming up.

3:05 pm: Both players are being introduced onto the court. Here we go!

3:00 pm: It's been a fairly rainy tournament, but today's final is set to be dry. The temperature will hover around 21 degrees Celsius with no rain forecast.

2:45 pm: An opening musical ceremony is taking place on Philippe-Chatrier, so the players should be out on court shortly.

2:30 pm: Zverev nearly suffered a shock elimination to Tallon Griekspoor in the third round but kept his composure to win in five sets. This was followed by another marathon clash against Holger Rune.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, has only played one five-setter this tournament – that came against Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

If this final goes the distance, Zverev may be more seasoned, although Alcaraz could be fresher, having played two fewer sets this tournament.

2:00 pm: A quick refresher on both players' respective journeys to the final:

Carlos Alcaraz

  • R1 - def. J.J. Wolf 6-1 6-2 6-1
  • R2 - def. Jesper de Jong 6-3 6-4 2-6 6-2
  • R3 - def. Sebastian Korda 6-4 7-6 6-3
  • R4 - def. Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-3 6-1
  • QF - def. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-6 6-4
  • SF - def. Jannik Sinner 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3

Alexander Zverev

  • R1 - def. Rafael Nadal 6-3 7-6 6-3
  • R2 - def. David Goffin 7-6 6-2 6-2
  • R3 - def. Tallon Griekspoor 3-6 6-4 6-2 4-6 7-6
  • R4 - def. Holger Rune 4-6 6-1 5-7 7-6 6-2
  • QF - def. Alex de Minaur 6-4 7-6 6-4
  • SF - def. Casper Ruud 2-6 6-2 6-4 6-2

1:30 pm: Coco Gauff and Kateřina Siniaková are Roland-Garros champions! The duo take out the women's doubles final against Jasmine Paolini – who featured in the women's singles final – and Sara Errani, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

1:15 pm: This afternoon's match is scheduled to begin no earlier than 2:30 pm local time (1:30 pm BST / 8:30 ET / 10:30 pm AEST). It will follow the women's doubles final, which is currently in the second set.

1:00 pm: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of this afternoon's French Open men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.

Alcaraz is favoured by the bookmakers coming into this clash, but Zverev does have the overall head-to-head advantage (5-4) against his opponent.

On clay though, the Spaniard has a 2-1 record when playing the German.

All times CEST/local

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Joshua Mayne
Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia.
tennis
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