By: Kwame Bediako
In a match for the ages, Carlos Alcaraz outmaneuvered Jannik Sinner in the longest French Open final in the Open Era, clocking in at five hours and 29 minutes. The thrilling contest saw Alcaraz come from two sets down to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2), marking his second consecutive Roland Garros title.
The Spanish sensation displayed incredible grit, saving three championship points in the fourth set when Sinner seemed poised to claim victory. Alcaraz’s trademark resilience paid off as he broke Sinner’s serve in the next game, forcing a deciding set. Although Sinner pushed him to the limit, Alcaraz ultimately sealed the win in the 10-point tiebreaker, dominating from the get-go with a 7-0 lead.
This victory marks Alcaraz’s fifth Grand Slam title, with an undefeated record in major finals (5-0). He’s joined an elite group of players, including Gustavo Kuerten and Rafael Nadal, as the third-youngest man to achieve this feat. Alcaraz also becomes the ninth man in the Open Era to come from two sets down in a major final and the sixth to do so specifically at Roland Garros.
Throughout the match, both players showcased exceptional sportsmanship. Alcaraz, in particular, earned praise for calling an ace in favor of Sinner during the second set, despite the potential impact on the game’s outcome. This display of fair play drew admiration from commentators and spectators.
With this win, Alcaraz extends his lead in the ATP Head2Head series against Sinner to 8-4 and improves his fifth-set record to 13-1. Meanwhile, Sinner remains atop the PIF ATP Rankings but now trails Alcaraz by a significant margin in their rivalry. The stage is set for their next encounter, as fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this blossoming rivalry.
