Final preview: Alcaraz vs Zverev Roland-Garros The official site

“I'm stronger mentally,” he said. “I knew how to deal with these situations. I knew that the cramps would go away if I stay there. You have to stay there, fight it. I learned from last year. You have to enjoy suffering. That is the key.”

They have played nine times in the last three and half years (Zverev leads their rivalry 5-4). On clay, Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 2-1. In Grand Slams, Zverev leads 2-1. Alcaraz has won seven clay court titles, Zverev has won eight. Alcaraz is the world No.3, Zverev is No.4. But Alcaraz has won two Grand Slam titles; this is only Zverev’s second final.

There is almost nothing between them and they are joined by one common bond: they know that if they are to lift the trophy today, they will have to suffer along the way.