Carlos Alcaraz produced one of the most remarkable comebacks in tennis history to defeat Jannik Sinner in an epic French Open men’s singles final that lasted five hours and 29 minutes, the longest in the tournament’s history.
The defending champion appeared destined for defeat when trailing by two sets and facing championship points against the world No 1.
Yet the 22-year-old Spaniard displayed remarkable resilience to prevail 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The victory secured Alcaraz’s fifth major title in what is arguably the the finest performance of his career.
Carlos Alcaraz produced a stunning fightback to beat Jannik Sinner to French Open glory on Sunday
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Sinner had been on the verge of claiming his first Roland Garros title when he led 5-3 in the fourth set with three championship points.
However, Alcaraz saved all three opportunities and forced the match into a deciding set after winning the fourth-set tiebreak 7-3
The world No 2 had never previously recovered from a two-set deficit in his career, making his achievement even more extraordinary.
The match concluded with Alcaraz dominating the final-set tiebreak 10-2, completing his stunning turnaround after more than five hours of gruelling tennis.
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Jannik Sinner won the first two sets during Sunday’s French Open final
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The electric atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier witnessed one of the tournament’s greatest ever finals.
Alcaraz became the first man to win a Grand Slam title after saving match points since Novak Djokovic’s victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.
The achievement marked a significant milestone for the Spanish player, who had never before won a match after losing the opening two sets.
For Sinner, the defeat denied him a third consecutive major title following his recent successes.
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The Italian had been seeking his maiden French Open triumph but fell short in what was the first Grand Slam final between these two dominant forces on the ATP Tour.
The encounter between these two rising stars lived up to its billing as a tantalising prospect, surpassing all expectations with its quality and drama.
Both players pushed themselves to their physical and mental limits in what was described as a “gruelling, gritty and glorious” contest.
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The match showcased the full range of their exceptional shot-making abilities, athleticism and mental fortitude.
For Alcaraz, the victory reinforced his status as one of tennis’s elite performers, while Sinner demonstrated his own championship credentials despite falling short.
The classic encounter highlighted why these two players have become the dominant forces on the ATP Tour.
Carlos Alcaraz was brilliant on Sunday as he won the French Open for the second year in a row
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It was a final to remember. One that will go down in history and act as the first chapter in what is likely to be a fascinating rivalry that will last for years.
After his victory, Alcaraz was emotional.
He has now emulated Rafael Nadal, his childhood hero, by successfully defending his title in France. Based on this evidence, it is unlikely to be the last time he tastes success in Paris.
As for Sinner, the Italian will rue the three missed championship points earlier in the match. He had the match at his mercy but, in the end, fell short.
The win means Alcaraz has now claimed £2.13million in prize money. Whether he can now go on and win Wimbledon for the third year in a row remains to be seen.
