Carlos Alcaraz delivered one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history to defeat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and retain his French Open title in a record-breaking final at Roland Garros.
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The 22-year-old Spaniard came back from two sets down and saved three championship points to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) in a five-hour, 29-minute marathon, the longest men’s singles final in French Open history.
In a packed Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz showcased resilience, artistry, and raw passion to clinch his fifth Grand Slam title, becoming the first man since Novak Djokovic (Wimbledon 2019) to win a major after saving match point.
“The level you have is amazing,” Alcaraz told Sinner after the match. “It’s a privilege to share the court with you and to make history together.”
Alcaraz Cements His Legacy in a Modern Classic
The final more than lived up to its billing. Tennis fans were treated to a five-set thriller between the ATP Tour’s two dominant players, both in their early 20s and pushing each other to unimaginable heights.
With his trademark flair and relentless energy, Alcaraz fed off the crowd, refusing to quit even when trailing 5-3 in the fourth set and facing defeat. His fearless play lit up the arena, especially during the final-set tie-break, where he overwhelmed Sinner with aggressive returns and a stunning running forehand winner to seal the match.
He dropped to the clay in disbelief before sharing a heartfelt embrace with Sinner and sprinting into the stands to celebrate with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and family.
Sinner Falls Short but Fights to the Finish
Jannik Sinner, playing in just his second tournament after a three-month doping ban, was on the cusp of claiming his first French Open title and third consecutive Grand Slam.
The 23-year-old Italian had not lost a set before the final and broke Alcaraz’s rhythm early on. But his serve dipped as the match wore on, landing just 54% of first serves and getting broken seven times, crucial lapses that swung momentum Alcaraz’s way.
Despite the loss, Sinner showed impressive fitness in his longest-ever match and earned admiration for his composure and spirit.
“We gave everything we had,” he told his team. “Some time ago, we would have loved just to be here. It’s still been an amazing tournament.”
A Rivalry That Could Define an Era
This was the first Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner, and it’s unlikely to be the last. Their thrilling duel had all the hallmarks of a generational rivalry: elite talent, clutch performances, contrasting styles, and immense mutual respect.
With Nadal nearing retirement and Djokovic winding down, tennis appears to have found its next great showdown.
