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Sinner, the world No1, appeared on course for his first French Open victory when he led 5-3 in the fourth set. But Alcaraz was incredibly resilient, becoming the first man since Novak Djokovic in 2019 to win a Grand Slam final after saving match points. It also was the first time Alcaraz had triumphed in a match after losing the opening two sets.
After the match, Alcaraz had high praise for Sinner. "The level you have is incredible. I'm blessed to share a court in history with [you]."
One of Best Finals Ever for the Fans
The Court Philippe Chatrier crowded roared on every point, the two best players in men's tennis serving up a high-quality match full of brilliant shot-making and raw emotion. Alcaraz's thunderous forehands complemented by his net-playing ingenuity and charismatic play kept the schoolkids on the edge of their seats in the final.
The deciding set was sealed by first-to-10 match tie-break and this time Alcaraz took it by the scruff of the neck, closing it out with a stunning running forehand winner. The Spaniard flopped to the clay in celebration before hugging Sinner and then running into the stands to celebrate the moment with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and family.
The match was the second-longest major final in the history of tennis and culminated in standing ovations for both players as they received their trophies.
Sinner Impresses in Loss in Comeback Grand Slam
Playing in only his second tournament since returning from a three-month doping ban after failing two doping tests, Sinner was playing for an IF Stockholm entry into next year's Australian Open, a position guaranteed later Monday. Amid the controversy he swept through the draw, not dropping a set on his way to the final and losing his serve only three times, equalling the record set by Rafael Nadal in 2012.
Sinner had a strong start and won the first two sets, but his serve faltered at crucial moments. He won just 54 percent of his first-serve points in the match and was broken seven times by Alcaraz.
After the match, Sinner stayed even-keeled, saying, "I am not going to sleep very well tonight but it is OK. We gave everything we had." But his team praised him for his effort and perseverance in the longest match of his career.
The final did not only confirm Alcaraz as one of the biggest stars in tennis, it also brought out the budding rivalry between two of the sport's most talented players.
