Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner 4-6 6-7 (4) 6-4 7-6 (3) 7-6 (10-2) in the longest ever French Open final, with the Spaniard winning the tournament for the second time
Jannik Sinner was full of praise for rival Carlos Alcaraz after the Spaniard triumphed in an epic French Open final. Alcaraz came from two sets down and saved three match points to overcome Sinner in the longest final in Roland Garros history.
The Spaniard showed incredible reserves of energy and willpower to win a five-hour 29-minute marathon and deny world number one Sinner a third consecutive grand slam title. Instead Alcaraz claimed his fifth major crown at exactly the same age as his idol Rafael Nadal did, aged 22 years, one month and three days old.
It was his fifth victory from his fifth final, which was the first at one of the slams to be played between two players born this century. It was also the first grand slam final meeting of the two young superstars of men’s tennis, the best players on the planet, who have now shared the last six major titles.
And it is one that will go down as a cast-iron Roland Garros classic, a final for the ages, a high-quality, heavy-hitting marathon which finished 4-6 6-7 (4) 6-4 7-6 (3) 7-6 (10-2) to the man from Murcia.
Speaking after the heartbreaking defeat, Sinner was quick to congratulate Alcaraz on his triumph. “First of all, congratulations Carlos,” he said. “It was an amazing performance from you again. It was an amazing battle.
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“Congratulations to you and your team, you did an amazing job. I’m very happy for you. You deserve it so congratulations. It is easier to play than to talk right now. Thank you so much to my team for helping me put myself in this position.
“We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so it’s still been an amazing tournament. Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay.
“It is a big privilege for me to be here and to play here. For me, Paris is a really special place. I have achieved many great things here. I’m still happy with this one. It is an amazing trophy. I won’t sleep very well tonight but it is okay.
“Thank you so much to the organisers of everything for making this tournament such a special event. You make us feel at home and you make life easier for all of us, so thank you so much.
“Obviously the support has been amazing throughout the whole couple of weeks. You are amazing, so thank you again. I will see you guys again next year. Thank you.”
Alcaraz also praised Sinner, calling the Italian a “great inspiration”. The 22-year-old said: “I’m delighted to be able to make history with you. You’re a great inspiration.”
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