Alcaraz puts his French Open triumph on a high: "I've wanted to win it since I was 6 years old".

Carlos Alcaraz has won the French Open. At the age of 21, he becomes the 7th Spaniard to be crowned champion in Paris, and looks set to follow in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal (14 titles). Although he didn't always play his best tennis, and was at times greatly outplayed, it was after a very physical match that he got the better of an intermittent Zverev (6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2).

Interviewed in the press conference, the Spanish player made no secret of his immense happiness at having realized his dream on Sunday: "Winning the US Open and becoming No.1 was really special. It was a dream come true. But beating Novak Djokovic in five sets at Wimbledon was something else too. But I'd still say that Roland-Garros is a step above. Because I really worked hard to be ready in time under difficult conditions. Yes, I'd say Roland-Garros. Above all, adding my name to the list of all the Spanish players who have won here is an honor. I've wanted to win the French Open since I was six years old. (comments relayed by L'Equipe).

Now crowned Grand Slam champion on three different surfaces (hard, grass and clay), the Spaniard spoke of his astonishing ability to play well everywhere at just 21 years of age: "I grew up on clay, so playing on it is natural for me. But most tournaments are played on hard court, so I've trained a lot there and developed an aggressive game. Anyway, that's my goal, to be as aggressive as possible.

My game is about hitting hard, going to the net and hitting drop shots. When I can do that, I feel good. That's what I want, and my team encourages me in that direction."

All smiles, Alcaraz also returned to his little tradition of getting a tattoo in honour of his Grand Slam triumphs. Smiling, he explained: "Yes, I'm going to continue (after the one on the right ankle for Wimbledon and the one behind the elbow for the US Open). I don't know when yet, but it'll be on the left ankle. Something with the Eiffel Tower (laughs)."