Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered from two sets
down - saving three championship points on the way - to beat Jannik Sinner in
an incredible French Open men's singles final.
Alcaraz's reign on the Roland Garros clay looked to be over
when world number one Sinner closed in on victory at 5-3 in the fourth set.
But the 22-year-old Spaniard showed extraordinary fight to
win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes -
the longest French Open final in history.
In an electrifying atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier,
Alcaraz produced the finest performance of his career to claim a fifth major
title.
In his victory speech, he told Sinner: "The level you
have is amazing.
"It is a privilege to share a court with you in every
tournament and in making history."
Alcaraz is the first man to win a Grand Slam title after
saving match point since Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019
Wimbledon final.
The world number two had never previously won a match after
losing the opening two sets.
Sinner, bidding for a maiden Roland Garros triumph, was
denied his third successive major after a gruelling, gritty and glorious
encounter.
"It's easier to play than talk now," said the
23-year-old, who was playing in only his second tournament since returning from
a three-month ban for failing two doping tests.
"I'm still happy with this trophy - I won't sleep very
well tonight but it is OK."
Alcaraz laps up admiration in all-time classic
The first Grand Slam showpiece between the two dominant
players on the ATP Tour had been a tantalising prospect - and it surpassed the
hype.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner pushed themselves - and each other -
to the limit in a classic contest that showcased all of their shot-making,
athleticism and resilience.
Their fascinating rivalry is quickly turning into an
enduring duel that could transcend the sport.
It has all the facets - the core talent, gripping encounters
on the biggest stages and the blend of personalities.
Alcaraz, with his swashbuckling style, passion and
infectious smile, has long been a box-office star who engages millions of fans.
In the toughest moments of the battle against Sinner, he
continued to play with freedom - perhaps too much for his coach Juan Carlos
Ferrero - and demanded more noise from the Paris crowd.
They loudly responded as Alcaraz demonstrated the heart and
courage - along with explosive returns and deft hand skills - for which he has
become known and revered.
The majority of the 15,000 fans were jumping to their feet
after every point in a thrilling finale, where both players continued to
execute top-quality shots that often defied belief.
Alcaraz flew out of the blocks in the first-to-10 match
tie-break of the deciding set, sapping every last bit of Sinner's energy before
sealing victory with a remarkable running forehand winner that fizzed down the
line.
He fell flat on his back before Sinner trudged around the
net for a warm, heartfelt embrace.
Alcaraz somehow found the energy to sprint off court,
climbing up the stands to celebrate with 2003 French Open winner Ferrero, the
rest of his team and his family.
Both players were given rapturous rounds of applause as they
collected their trophies after the second longest major final in history.
Sinner gives 'everything' on Grand Slam return
Sinner has emerged as the standout player on the ATP Tour
over the past 18 months, with a machine-like brand of tennis reminiscent of
24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in his prime.
Little appears to faze the mild-mannered Italian on or off
court – even the controversy surrounding his doping case which rocked the
sport.
Sinner agreed a three-month ban with the World Anti-Doping
Agency shortly after retaining his Australian Open title in January, meaning he
did not miss a Grand Slam tournament and was able to compete at Roland Garros.
It was like he had never been away.
Sinner did not drop a set on his way to a maiden French Open
final, losing serve only three times in his six matches - the fewest since
Spanish great Rafael Nadal in 2012.
But his serve instantly came under intense pressure against
Alcaraz in an elongated start which included a 12-minute opening game.
The quality of his service game varied as the contest ebbed
and flowed, but landing 54% of his first serves over the whole match was a
telling statistic.
Alcaraz broke him seven times as a consequence and swarmed
over Sinner's second serve to take control of the final-set tie-break.
Questions were raised about Sinner's fitness and durability
if the final went long, given he is still in the early stages of his comeback,
but he answered them in the longest match of his career.
Addressing his team afterwards, he said: "We tried our
best today. We gave everything we had.
"Some time ago, we would have loved to be here [in the
final] so it's still been an amazing tournament."
