Credited from: SCMP
Carlos Alcaraz staged an incredible comeback to defend his French Open title, defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2) in what is now recognized as the longest final in the tournament's history, lasting an astonishing five hours and 29 minutes. This match demonstrated Alcaraz's resilience as he saved three championship points in the fourth set to extend his winning streak over Sinner to five matches, according to BBC and Reuters.
Alcaraz’s victory further established him as a dominant force in tennis, capturing his fifth Grand Slam title and becoming one of the few players to have won a final after saving match points. He acknowledged the intense emotions of the match, stating, “When the situations are against you, you have to fight. It’s no time to give up,” echoing sentiments shared across various outlets, including HuffPost and SCMP.
The final was characterized by fierce competition, with both players trading intense rallies and displaying remarkable athleticism. With a points tally of 193-192 in Sinner's favor, the match was described as breathtaking, attracting commentary from tennis legends and sporting media alike, including remarks from Mats Wilander, who stated, "The level at the end was absolutely ridiculous," recognized in reports by Le Monde and LA Times.
Facing a formidable Sinner, Alcaraz proved resilient, not only with the match outcome but also in the emotional exchanges post-match. After the historic duel, Sinner congratulated Alcaraz, highlighting the tournament's significance and their ongoing rivalry, which has captivated tennis audiences and analysts alike, as noted in coverage by Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera. Alcaraz's victory solidified his place in tennis history and set the stage for future encounters with Sinner.