Carlos Alcaraz pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat Jannik Sinner in an epic French Open final on Sunday, showing steely resolve despite facing a daunting two-set deficit.
The Spanish sensation, just 22 years old, rallied to a 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) victory over world No. 1 Sinner, securing his second consecutive Roland Garros crown and fifth Grand Slam title overall.
In a match that spanned five hours and 29 minutes, making it the longest men’s final in French Open history and the second-longest Grand Slam final ever, Alcaraz’s fighting spirit was on full display.
He faced triple match point while serving at 3-5 in the fourth set but refused to crumble.
“The match is not finished until he wins the last point,” Alcaraz said during his post-match press conference.
“A lot of times people came back from match point down in final of a Grand Slam or even in other matches. I just wanted to be one of those players who saved match point in the Grand Slam final and ended up winning.
“I just believed all the time. I never doubted myself, even in those match points down. I thought, just one point at a time. Just one point and then after one point, try to save that game and keep believing. That’s what I thought.”
With his triumph, Alcaraz not only cemented his status among tennis elites but also etched his name deeper into Roland Garros history with a performance that will be remembered for its resilience and drama.