French Open: Alexander Zverev had to be ‘at his best’ to beat Carlos Alcaraz

French Open
Alexander Zverev

Third seed Alexander Zverev knew there was little margin for error when he faced Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the French Open on Tuesday.

Despite his higher ranking and experience, the German came into the clash at Roland Garros as the underdog after the 19-year-old won Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid earlier this season.

The Spaniard also came into the match on a 14-match unbeaten streak and was arguably the world’s form player heading into the match.


Nevertheless, the Zverev perhaps held his nerve better in the crucial moments to claim a 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7) win over the sixth seed.

“Alcaraz, it’s almost impossible to beat him. I knew I had to play my best tennis from the beginning,” Zverev said after the match on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“With his level of confidence, it would have been difficult to come back.”

Zverev had the opportunity to serve for the match with the score at at 5-4 in the fourth set, but was a visibly calm figure despite losing his serve in the next game in just over two minutes.

Alacaraz was also the highest-ranked player Zverev has beaten at a Grand Slam.

“I know I had to stay calm all the match long, whatever the score. Showing emotions take your energy,” the 25-year-old added.

“His was extremely high level. I had to win the match myself. He’s one of the best, beating him at a Grand Slam it’s important.”


Standing in his way for a place in the semi-final is Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but Zverev is aware of the challenge that awaits him despite his own prowess.

“I just beat probably the best clay court player that we had this season,” he continued.

“I think it shows that I can play okay as well, I think people sometimes forget that. I’ve been around for quite awhile now.”

“Now I have the number one in the world or the 13-time winner here. Things don’t go easier.”

Despite his higher ranking and experience, the German came into the clash at Roland Garros as the underdog after the 19-year-old won Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid earlier this season.

The Spaniard also came into the match on a 14-match unbeaten streak and was arguably the world’s form player heading into the match.

Nevertheless, the Zverev perhaps held his nerve better in the crucial moments to claim a 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7) win over the sixth seed.

“Alcaraz, it’s almost impossible to beat him. I knew I had to play my best tennis from the beginning,” Zverev said after the match on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“With his level of confidence, it would have been difficult to come back.”

Zverev had the opportunity to serve for the match with the score 5-4 in the fourth set, but was a visibly calm figure despite losing his serve in the next game in just over two minutes.

Alacaraz was also the highest-ranked player Zverev has beaten at a Grand Slam.

“I know I had to stay calm all the match long, whatever the score. Showing emotions take your energy,” the 25-year-old added.

“His was extremely high level. I had to win the match myself. He’s one of the best, beating him at a Grand Slam it’s important.”


Standing in his way for a place in the semi-final is Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, but Zverev is aware of the challenge that awaits him despite his own prowess.

“I just beat probably the best clay court player that we had this season,” he continued.

“I think it shows that I can play okay as well, I think people sometimes forget that. I’ve been around for quite awhile now.”

“Now I have the number one in the world or the 13-time winner here. Things don’t go easier.”

Alexander Zverev

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