Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning his men's singles semi-final match against Italy's Jannik Sinner in Paris, France, June 7, 2024. / CFP
Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his maiden French Open final after coming back twice from a set down to defeat the second seed Jannik Sinner in Friday's first semi-final at Roland Garros. The Spaniard spent four hours and 12 minutes to secure an epic 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory on Court Philippe-Chatrier, reaching his first final in Paris. This win marked his fifth victory in nine career meetings with the Italian and made the 21-year-old the youngest man to reach a Grand Slam title match on three different surfaces.
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz cheers Italy's Jannik Sinner after their semi-final match in Paris, France, June 7, 2024. / CFP
In his post-match interview, Alcaraz said, "The toughest matches I have played in my short career, has been against Jannik. The US Open 2022, this one. That shows the great player that Jannik is. The team that he has as well, the great work he puts in every day. And I hope to play many, many more matches like this one against Jannik. But yes, one of the toughest matches that I've played. For sure."
Germany's Alexander Zverev celebrates after a point as he plays against Norway's Casper Ruud during their semi-final match in Paris, France, June 7, 2024. / CFP
Alcaraz's bid for a third career Grand Slam title will see him face the fourth seed Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final, after the German defeated the number seven seed Casper Ruud of Norway 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 in the other semi-final.