Coming into Roland Garros, Alcaraz had not performed for a month due to ache in his proper forearm and continued to put on a assist all through the match.
He missed the Italian Open as a consequence and arrived in Paris with solely a run to the Madrid Open quarter-finals beneath his belt on clay.
In distinction, Zverev ready by winning the prestigious title in Rome.
Their various paths to the match – and the draw – meant it was a tough closing to name.
That remained the case when the pair began the deciding set.
By now Zverev had spent virtually 24 hours on court docket within the match – having taken the longest path to the French Open closing since data started in 1991.
After going a break behind at 2-1, the Olympic champion dipped into his psychological and bodily reserves once more to create 5 break factors within the fifth set, however couldn’t take any of them as Alcaraz survived.
When Alcaraz broke for 5-2, with the assistance of a sensational backhand cross-court winner, Zverev regarded completely demoralised and couldn’t get well.
“It has been wonderful – the environment, the assist has been wonderful,” stated Zverev, whose defeat got here two days after his trial over home abuse allegations was discontinued.
“I actually like to play on this lovely court docket, one in every of my favorite on the tour.
“I will be again subsequent yr.”