French Open 2022: Time to learn and improve, says Alcaraz after loss to Zverev

Third seed Alexander Zverev claimed a 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open quarter-finals.

Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz was one of the contenders to clinch this year's French Open crown. However, the 19-year-old, who came into Roland Garros on the back of a stellar run, lost to Alexander Zverev in a dramatic four-set clash on Tuesday in Paris.

The German third seed claimed a 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory over the Spaniard after three hours and 18 minutes. 

Zverev moved into his second straight last-four match at Roland Garros with his first-ever Grand Slam win over a top-10 player. The German will now face 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who beat World No.1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) win last night.

Alcaraz has won four titles this year, including two Masters 1,000 events, but made 56 unforced errors as he missed chances to reach a first major semi-final. However, the Spanish teenager took this opportunity to state he would make a comeback after spending time improving his game.

Taking to Instagram, Alcaraz wrote, "Time to learn and improve, we'll be back to try again next year! 👋🏻😀 Thank u everyone for your support at @rolandgarros and congrats to @alexzverev123! 👏🏻 Good luck in the rest of the tournament! 😉"

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Zverev reached the last four at a Slam for the fifth time in his career to maintain his bid for a maiden title at one of the sport's four most significant events.

"I hope I can win it before he starts beating us all, and we have no chance," said Zverev. "The match was swinging his way. I'm extremely happy to win the tie-break."