Carlos Alcaraz's remarkable journey to the French Open final transcended a monumental victory over Jannik Sinner in a hard-fought match that showcased his resilience and determination. The young Spaniard displayed maturity beyond his years, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in the midst of suffering, especially on the demanding clay courts of Roland Garros where long rallies and physical endurance are paramount. Alcaraz, the youngest man to reach a grand slam final on all three surfaces, underscored his ambition to follow in the footsteps of tennis legends like Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, and Murray by excelling on every type of court.

In contrast, Alexander Zverev's path to the final involved a settlement in a domestic violence case in Germany, adding a layer of complexity to his journey towards potentially clinching his first grand slam title. Despite this off-court distraction, Zverev exhibited a strong performance on the clay, culminating in a semifinal victory over Casper Ruud after losing in the semifinals in previous years. The resolution of the domestic violence case coincided with Zverev's success on the court, showcasing his ability to overcome challenges both on and off the tennis court.