Carlos Alcaraz produced a stunning display of resilience and skill to defend his French Open title, overcoming world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set final at Roland Garros. The Spaniard battled back from two sets down and saved three championship points to triumph 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in a match that lasted five hours and 29 minutes, making it the longest men’s final in French Open history.
Sinner dominated early, showcasing his relentless accuracy and powerful forehands to take the first set 6-4 and the second in a tiebreak, leaving Alcaraz facing a daunting deficit. The Italian surged to a 4-1 lead in the second set and later held three championship points at 5-3 in the fourth, seemingly poised to claim his first Roland Garros title.
But Alcaraz, displaying the heart and flair that have made him a global superstar at just 22, refused to buckle. He clawed his way back in the third set, breaking Sinner twice to secure it 6-4, igniting hope among the 15,000 fans on Court Philippe-Chatrier. His athleticism and tactical brilliance shone in the fourth set, where he saved three match points with fearless shot-making, including a breathtaking cross-court backhand winner, before levelling the match in a tiebreak.
In the decisive fifth set, Alcaraz found a “flow state,” blending clinical volleys, pinpoint returns, and audacious drop shots to outlast Sinner in a championship tiebreak. His ability to adapt, combining raw power with delicate finesse, overwhelmed the Italian, who fought valiantly but couldn’t match Alcaraz’s late surge.
Alcaraz’s emotional celebration, sprinting to embrace his family and coaches, reflected the magnitude of his achievement. This victory marks his second French Open crown and fifth Grand Slam title, cementing his status as a clay-court maestro. His comeback, hailed as one of the greatest in Roland Garros history, underscores his extraordinary talent and unyielding spirit.
“Carlos Alcaraz is a phenomenon,” said BBC commentator John McEnroe. “To come back from that position against a player like Sinner shows why he’s a champion.” Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one calling it “the comeback of all comebacks.”
Alcaraz’s triumph ensures he remains the player to beat on clay, and his rivalry with Sinner promises more epic battles to come. For now, the tennis world celebrates a masterclass from a true superstar.