Carlos Alcaraz wins fifth major title after defeating Jannik Sinner in Epic French Open Final.

On 9 June, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner battled in a five-hour 29-minute classic that became the longest Roland Garros final in the Open Era. A forehand down the line winner later, it was Alcaraz who kept his flawless record in major finals alive.

In a French Open final for the ages, Carlos Alcaraz staged a breathtaking comeback to defeat Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in the longest Roland Garros final in history.

Down two sets and facing three championship points in the fourth, Alcaraz dug deep to save them all and force a deciding fifth set. In the final act, after being broken while serving for the title, the 22-year-old Spaniard regrouped to seal victory in a super tie-break.

With the win, Alcaraz became just the third man in the Open Era to save a championship point en route to a Grand Slam title and only the third this century to defend the French Open crown.

“This was the most exciting match that I’ve played so far without a doubt,” said Alcaraz. “I think the match had everything.”Today was all about believing in myself. Never doubted myself today and I tried to go for it.””Real champions are made in those situations,” he added.

The match was razor-thin in margins. Sinner actually won more total points (193 of 385) and led by two sets and a break at one stage. But Alcaraz’s resilience turned the tide, cheered on by a passionate Parisian crowd.

Both players entered uncharted territory: Sinner had never won a match lasting over four hours, and Alcaraz had never come back from two sets down. Yet on this grandest stage, both elevated their game.

Alcaraz’s triumph came two weeks after witnessing idol Rafael Nadal’s emotional farewell on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Fittingly, Alcaraz’s fifth Slam came at the exact same age as Nadal at 22 years, 1 month, and 3 days, when he reached the same milestone.

With Alcaraz now leading their head-to-head 8-4, the budding rivalry with Sinner evokes comparisons to Federer vs Nadal.

“This is the first match in a Grand Slam final. Hopefully not the last time,” said Alcaraz.

“Because I mean, as I said many times, every time that we face each other, we raise our level to the top.”