Our head coach, fresh from a week at Roland Garros where he meticulously analysed the Juniors’ performances at the Roland Garros Junior tournament and met with the coaches of Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek and other world-class mentors, offers an expert analysis of the five-set championship clash. This experience underscored the importance of integrating advanced statistics into coaching at the highest level, providing invaluable insights into match strategies.

Carlos Alcaraz's forehand made the difference in the Roland Garros final against Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz hit 39 forehand winners compared to Zverev's 24, despite only winning 14 more total points (153-139) during his 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 victory. This shot allowed Alcaraz to overcome a two-sets-to-one deficit and secure his first Grand Slam title on clay in Paris.

Most match metrics showed a close contest in the four-hour and 19-minute final, except for forehands ending the point.

Forehand Performance

Alcaraz
- Winners = 39
- Total Errors = 60
- Winners - Errors = -21

Zverev
- Winners = 24
- Total Errors = 63
- Winners - Errors = -39

The 21-year-old Spaniard excelled in forehand exchanges, often pulling Zverev wide and exploiting his recovery. In the final two sets, Alcaraz hit 15 forehand winners to Zverev's five and committed fewer forehand errors (17 to 21). Alcaraz's forehand was the key factor in his final sets' dominance.

Backhand Performance

Alcaraz
- Winners = 13
- Total Errors = 41
- Winners - Errors = -28

Zverev
- Winners = 14
- Total Errors = 38
- Winners - Errors = -24

Zverev's backhand was marginally better, dominating Ad-court rallies and hitting several down-the-line winners. However, in the final two sets, fatigue led to more backhand errors (16 to 11).

Both players frequently approached the net, with 93 combined net points. Alcaraz won 63% (25/40) of his net points, while Zverev won 57% (30/53). Alcaraz's strategy of finishing points at the net or using drop shots was crucial.

Alcaraz's 20 drop shots (compared to Zverev's 10) disrupted Zverev's baseline control. Alcaraz's dominance increased when Zverev missed his first serve, as Alcaraz attacked Zverev's second serve effectively. Alcaraz won 49% of second-serve points, while Zverev struggled with only 33% in the final two sets.

In a match featuring 51 points of nine shots or longer, Alcaraz's powerful forehands, strategic net play, and exploitation of Zverev's second serve led to his victory. Paris celebrates a young and courageous champion.

As we look ahead to future tournaments, which aspects of Alcaraz’s game do you think will continue to evolve and make him even more formidable on the court? Share your thoughts at Admin@10is.co.uk and join the conversation!

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