Every word Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev said after their epic French Open final

Carlos Alcaraz spoke impressively to the French Open crowd after he made history by claiming his third Grand Slam title and a first at Roland Garros.

The 21-year-old filled a Rafael Nadal-sized void at Roland Garros with a marathon 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 victory in four hours and 19 minutes.

Fourth seed Zverev had sent old warrior Nadal out on his shield for probably the last time in the first round.

But young pretender Alcaraz vanquished the German to join fellow Spaniard Nadal as the only men to lift the Roland Garros trophy aged under 22.

Alcaraz is also the youngest man to win a Grand Slam title on all three surfaces, adding the Paris clay to his hard-court US Open success and last year’s win on the Wimbledon grass.

He boasts a perfect record in major finals, while for Zverev it is two defeats from two following his loss to Dominic Thiem at the US Open four years ago.

This is what Alcaraz said when he spoke to the fans after his latest epic win;

First of all, I want to congratulate Sascha for a great tournament. Unbelievable the level you are playing and the work you are putting in every day. Everything you have been through the last years in this court. I’m pretty sure you will win Slams and this tournament very, very soon so keep going and congratulations.

“My team have been incredible the last month. We were struggling a lot with the injury. Coming back from Madrid, I didn’t feel well. Coming here and not practicing too much on the court. I’m grateful to have the team that I have. I know everyone in my team is giving their heart to help me improve. I call this a team but it’s a family.

“I have loved to have part of my family here. My Mum, my Dad, my Brother, I have loved having you here. All of the support you have given to me since being a little kid. I used to watch this tournament on the TV and now I’m holding the trophy so thank you very much.

“Everyone is a really important part to making this tournament special. It’s not easy to do that, we complain a lot, but you all do a great job. Thank you to everyone.

“The crowd have been great since the first match until today. The support has been unbelievable in the matches and practice. I’ll see you soon, for sure. Thank you.”

Zverev was gracious in defeat, as he paid tribute to Alcaraz;

“First of all, in relation to Carlos, third Grand Slam, 21-years-old, it’s incredible. You’ve won three different ones, you are already a hall-of-famer, you have won so much and you’re only 21. An incredible player and not the last time you are going to win this.

“To the [Alcaraz] team, well done. I wish I could say otherwise, but too good today. All of you are unbelievably nice guys so I’m happy for you. Not today, but generally I am happy for you.

“To my team as well, thank you for not only last the two weeks but the long journey we had since the injury I had on this same court. We were close today, not enough but hopefully one day we will be able to hold this trophy together so thank you.

“Then I would like to thank everyone who makes this tournament possible every year. Amelie [Mauresmo], one of the best tournament directors we have. You do everything for the players. I know it’s tough because we complain a lot but you’re doing the best you can, we really appreciate it so thankyou for the job you’re doing.

“It’s been amazing – the atmosphere, the support has been amazing. I really love to play on this beautiful court, one of my favourite courts on the tour.

“I’ll be back next year.”