Fourteen-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal was quick to react after Carlos Alcaraz stunned Alexander Zverev in a thrilling final at Court Phillipe Chatrier to secure his first French Open title. Alcaraz, the third seed, showed incredible resilience to defeat the German 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, clinching his third career major and breaking a long-standing record set by Nadal in ATP history.
Before this historic win, only six men had secured a Grand Slam title on all three major surfaces – grass, hard court, and clay. Nadal previously held the record as the youngest player to achieve this milestone at the age of 22 years and seven months when he won his first Australian Open in 2009. However, Alcaraz, who celebrated his 21st birthday last month, shattered this record with his remarkable victory on the clay courts of Roland Garros. This triumph added to his collection of trophies, which already included a US Open title in 2022 and a Wimbledon victory in 2023.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Nadal shared his excitement, congratulating Alcaraz on his significant win. He wrote: “Congratulations @carlosalcaraz for this immense victory!!!! Big!!!! Very happy for your successes!!! #Vamos.”
Nadal, who recently made a comeback from injury in April for the clay season, faced an unexpected early exit at the hands of Zverev in the first round, marking one of his earliest departures from a Grand Slam tournament in a career highlighted by 22 major titles, with 14 achieved at Roland Garros. There is uncertainty surrounding Nadal’s participation in the 2025 French Open, as he has not ruled out the possibility of returning to action.
During his post-match presentation speech, Alcaraz paid tribute to Nadal, expressing his desire to join the ranks of Spanish greats who have triumphed at Roland Garros. He mentioned, “I have a special feeling at this tournament, because I remember when I finish school I’m running to my home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open. I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament. Not only Rafa, but (Juan Carlos) Ferrero, (Carlos) Moya, (Albert) Costa, a lot of Spanish players, legends from our sport that won this tournament.”
