Carlos Alcaraz has broken the hearts of Italian tennis fans after producing a stunning comeback to beat Jannik Sinner and retain his French Open title.
The world No.2 was two sets down and saved a trio of match points before claiming a marathon 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2), win in what is the longest men’s final match to ever take place at Roland Garros. Lasting a gut-busting five hours and 29 minutes. It is the first time Alcaraz has won a match after losing the first two sets.
Alcaraz, who has won 22 out of 23 matches played on the clay this season, follows in the footsteps of Gustavo Kuerten and Rafael Nadal as the only players to successfully win back-to-back French Open titles this century. It is his fifth consecutive win over Sinner and he now leads their head-to-head 8-5.
“I just want to say thank you to my team, my family, I have the privilege to live great things with you,” Alcaraz said during the trophy presentation.
“I was lucky to have a lot of friends from home, from Murcia, to support (me). Amazing support you have given to me today, throughout the whole two weeks. Even those who are at home who couldn’t come.
“Thank you very much and this trophy is yours as well.
“This tournament is really special, I can’t wait to come here year after year.”
Throughout the first half of the match, it looked as if Sinner would be on the verge of ending his country’s 49-year wait for a male champion in Paris. The world No.1 claimed a two-set lead and was up a break at the start of the third. Only for his nemesis to claw his way back. Then in the fourth frame, Sinner led 5-4, 40-0, with a trio of match points but was unable to convert any due to some outstanding play from Alcaraz. If that wasn’t enough heartbreak, he recovered from a break down in the fifth set but ended up getting blown away in the decisive tiebreaker.
“Jannik. It is amazing the level you have, congratulations for an amazing two weeks, and an amazing tournament. I know the hard work you put in every day. I know how hard you chase this tournament.” Alcaraz said to his rival.
“I’m pretty sure you’re gonna be champion here many, many times. It’s a privilege to share the court with you. I’m just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, and in other tournaments.
“You are a huge inspiration for the kids, and for me as well. So thank you, and good luck for all that is coming in the future.”
As for world No.1 Sinner, his struggles against the Spaniard continue. He is one of the most dominant forces in men’s tennis, having won 47 out of his last 50 matches. However, all of his defeats were to Alcaraz. The in-form Italian entered the final without dropping a set but against Alcaraz, he was ousted in what was without a doubt the greatest match of their rivalry so far.
“Carlos, congrats. An amazing performance and an amazing battle. To you and your team, amazing job, I’m very happy for you, and you deserve it,” said Sinner.
“It’s easier to play than talking now. To my team, thank you so much for putting me in this position. We tried our best today, we gave everything we had. Still an amazing tournament, even though it’s very, very difficult now, but it’s OK.”
“It’s (French Open) an amazing trophy so I won’t sleep very well tonight, but it’s OK.” He added.
Alcaraz joins the Big Three (Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) as the only players to have won a Grand Slam title four years in a row this century.
