“This is the one I’m most proud of”: Why Alcaraz’s Roland-Garros title means the most
Carlos Alcaraz reveals what makes his Roland-Garros title his most special Grand Slam win so far – and it’s not what you might think
Zverev and Alcaraz after 2024 Roland-Garros final © Glenn Gervot / Panoramic
At the tender age of just 21, Carlos Alcaraz has won an impressive three Grand Slams–and on three different surfaces, mind you.
Following his Roland-Garros victory over Alexander Zverev on Sunday in Paris, the Spaniard shared why it’s this title that means the most to him from all of the success he’s experienced so far on the ATP Tour.
“This one is the moment that I’m really proud about myself,” Alcaraz declared following his 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 win.
Challenging build up makes Roland-Garros victory the sweetest
Each one of Alcaraz’s Grand Slam titles have been special for different reasons.
“Obviously winning the US Open, when I reached for the first time the No 1, something that I dream since I started playing tennis, getting my first Grand Slam. So it was pretty special.
“The way that I won Wimbledon, beating Novak Djokovic in five sets, has been a great achievement for me.”
But this Roland-Garros, it’s the challenges ahead of the tournament which make the victory extra special.
“Right now lifting the Roland-Garros trophy, knowing everything that I have been through the last month with the injuries and all that stuff… This one is the moment that I’m really proud about myself.
“Everything that I have done the last month just to be ready for this tournament with my team, a lot of talks with them. You know, if I have to practice, if I can’t practice or discuss with them, has been really difficult for me, honestly.
“So I’m going to say this one is the most that I am proud about myself.”
Spanish legacy adds to Alcaraz’s triumph
Alcaraz becomes the eighth Spanish man to win Roland-Garros, with 17 of the past 23 men’s singles titles going to Spanish players in Paris.
“In Roland Garros, knowing all the Spanish players who have won this tournament and be able to put my name on that amazing list is something unbelievable.
“Something that I dream about being in this position since I was started playing tennis, since I was five, six years old.”
The 21-year-old joins a prestigious list with names such as Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Rafael Nadal on it.
