Zverev Holds Narrow 5-4 Lead in Lexus ATP Head2Head Series
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are set to clash in the Roland Garros final, marking their tenth Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting. Both players have faced off on major stages, but Sunday’s final promises the highest stakes yet. Zverev, the fourth seed, leads their series 5-4, including recent victories at the ATP Finals in Turin and this year’s Australian Open. Alcaraz has the edge on clay, winning twice in Madrid but falling to Zverev in the 2022 Roland Garros quarter-finals.
“We’ve had tough battles,” Zverev said of the third-seeded Spaniard. “It’s going to be a difficult match. A Grand Slam final means both players deserve to be there. We both expect a tough battle.”
Both players are making their debut in the Roland Garros title match but bring substantial big-match experience. Alcaraz, 2-0 in major finals (2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon), and 5-1 in ATP Masters 1000 finals, will draw on his success. Zverev, an Olympic gold medalist, boasts a 2-0 record in Nitto ATP Finals and a 6-5 record in ATP Masters 1000 finals, including a recent win in Rome.
“Sascha is playing great tennis on clay,” Alcaraz noted. “Big serve, big shots, really solid. It’s going to be an interesting final.”
Zverev’s path to the final included overcoming a double break down in the fifth set against Tallon Griekspoor, a comeback from two sets to one down against Holger Rune, and a fightback from a set down against Casper Ruud. Alcaraz reached the semis with the loss of just one set and battled back from a set down against Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller.
“It was a close match,” said Alcaraz, reflecting on his semi-final win. “High-level tennis, high intensity.”
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Alcaraz has shown mental resilience, having grown since physical issues hindered him in last year’s semi-finals against Novak Djokovic. “I’m stronger mentally and know how to handle these situations,” he said.
Zverev also overcame past disappointments to reach the final, having previously fallen in the semis three times. His journey included a severe ankle injury in 2022 against Rafael Nadal and a tough loss in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem.
“You either come back stronger and hungrier, or you drop mentally,” Zverev said. “I’m glad I took the first path.”
Zverev will rely on his powerful serve and solid backhand, having won 86% of his first-serve points in the semis. Alcaraz, whose serve isn’t as potent, has improved his delivery and will look to exploit Zverev’s forehand with his heavy cross-court forehand.
Both players have shown patience and shot tolerance, with Alcaraz more eager to attack early. The youngest man to reach a Grand Slam final on all three surfaces at 21, Alcaraz aims to join Spanish legends Rafael Nadal and Juan Carlos Ferrero as Roland Garros champions. Zverev seeks to become the first German man to win in Paris in the Open Era.
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