New Delhi: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Italy’s Jannik Sinner in one of the best finals of all time in French Open history to successfully defend his Roland Garros crown on Sunday. Alcaraz beat world no.1 Sinner 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-2) in an epic final which lasted five hours and 29 minutes to clinch his second consecutive French Open title and the fifth Grand Slam of his career.
Defending champion Alcaraz came from two sets down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with some stunning tennis as he outlasted Sinner in the longest final in the history of the French Open. It was a test of endurance, character, skill and stamina as Sinner and Alcaraz played out a draining five-setter at the Court Philippe Chatrier.
The Spaniard came out triumphant in all aspects to produce a comeback for the ages as he won one of the most difficult finals of his career so far against Sinner. Alcaraz saved as many as three Championship points in the fourth set to eventually win it 7-6 (7-4), forcing the game into the decisive fifth set, which went to a 10-point tie breaker where the defending champion reigned supreme to retain his title in Paris.
In what was a memorable showdown between the top two-ranked players in the world, Alcaraz got the better of Sinner in the duo’s first meeting in a Grand Slam final. Despite having won the last six majors, Alcaraz and Sinner had never locked horns in a Grand Slam final before Sunday. Many were looking forward to the mouth-watering clash between them in Paris, and the duo lived up to the expectations.
Both Alcaraz and Sinner had won every major final they had played in before Sunday, but one had to give up the perfect record at Roland Garros. As it turned out, Sinner’s streak was broken as he suffered his maiden defeat in a Slam final. The reigning Australian Open champion appeared to be the favourite after winning the first two sets to go 2-0 up in the final; however, Alcaraz saved his best for last to mount an epic comeback.
Sinner, who won the US Open last year before capturing the Australian Open title earlier this year, was bidding to win his third straight Grand Slam title in Paris. However, he was denied by Alcaraz, who became the first player since Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon final to win a Grand Slam final after saving a match point.
Alcaraz, who has now matched the legendary Rafael Nadal in winning his fifth Grand Slam at 22, paid touching tribute to Sinner after the epic five-setter final between the duo. The 22-year-old said it was a privilege for him to be sharing the court with Sinner, who himself has three Grand Slams at 23 and has been arguably one of the best players on the circuit over the last couple of years.
“I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have. Congratulations on an amazing two weeks—an amazing tournament. To you and your team, I know the hard work you’re putting in every day. It’s huge,” Alcaraz said in his post-match speech.
Honestly, I know how hard you’re chasing this tournament and every tournament. I’m pretty sure you’ll be champion not once, but many, many times. It’s a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament. Making history with you,” he added.
The marathon final between Alcaraz and Sinner in Paris on Sunday proved that their rivalry might soon turn into an eternal duel. Both players pushed each other to their limits in the epic final, which went down to the wire, with very little separating the two even after over 330 minutes of gruelling tennis and exceptional athleticism from both.
