Zverev praises Alcaraz: "He's a beast".

Alexander Zverev is getting ever closer to his dream. After coming within two points of a Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2020, he came close again on Sunday.

Facing Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the French Open, he led two sets to one before finally losing.

Although deeply disappointed, the world number 4 showed great class. Ignoring the defeat, he paid tribute to his tormentor, insisting on the intensity of the Spaniard's game: "He's a beast. The intensity of his tennis is incredible. I'm sure he can do so much with his tennis.

He changed his tactics enormously in the fifth set. He played higher, deeper so I didn't have as much power in my shots with the shadow on the court too. It was slower.

He's an incredible player, he's fantastic. I've got to look at myself instead and find my way back to my team. From there, I'll see what I can do to get to the same level as him. I've got to get back to work."