Carlos Alcaraz-Alexander Zverev's French Open 2024 final viewership beats Novak Djokovic-Casper Ruud's 2023 title clash; shows promising sign in USA

The 2024 French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev garnered higher viewership in the United States compared to last year's clash between Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud. Alcaraz defeated Zverev to claim his third Grand Slam title.

Seeded third, Alcaraz defeated Zverev 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in four hours and 19 minutes to win his very first title at Roland Garros. After a grueling five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, the World No.3 went on to triumph over the German in another five-set battle in the championship match.

The 21-year old also made history by becoming the youngest male player to win a Grand Slam on three different surfaces, adding to his wins on hard courts at the 2022 US Open and on grass courts at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Whereas, in 2023, Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-5 to secure his third French Open title and 23rd Grand Slam overall. Djokovic, at 36 years and 20 days old, became the oldest winner of the clay-court Major and the first man to win each of the four Grand Slam events at least three times.

According to Sports Media Watch, the 2024 French Open men's singles final experienced a significant increase in viewership in the USA compared to the previous year's final.

The championship match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, which was broadcasted on NBC Sports, attracted an average of 1.0 million and 1.62 million viewers, while Djokovic and Ruud's final had an average viewership of 0.9 million and 1.56 millions.

Carlos Alcaraz on winning French Open 2024: "It has been incredible work, really grateful to have the team that I have"

Carlos Alcaraz with his team

During the trophy presentation after his win over Alexander Zverev in the final of the 2024 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz described his victory as the result of "incredible work ." He also thanked his team for their support in shaping him into the player he has become

"It has been incredible work. I am really grateful to have the team that I have and the people I have around. I know that everyone in my team is giving their heart just to make me improve as a player and a person," Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz also extended his congratulations to Zverev for his impressive performance in the clay court Major

"I want to congratulate Sascha for a great beginning of this year, a great level of tennis, a great tournament. It is unbelievable the level that you are playing and the level of work you are putting in every day. I know you give your heart every day you step on the court," he added.

In return, Zverev congratulated Carlos Alcaraz on his Roland Garros title and praised him for winning three grand slams on three different surfaces, suggesting that he was already a "Hall of Famer."

"Congratulations Carlos. Third Grand Slam, 21 years old. It's incredible. You won three different ones . You're already a Hall of Famer and you're only 21 years old ," Zverev said.

Alcaraz's victorious run at the French Open saw him return to the Top two of the ATP rankings, surpassing Novak Djokovic.