One for the record books.
One for the record books.
A Final for the Ages at Roland-Garros
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner delivered a Grand Slam final that will go down in history as one of the greatest ever, according to Skysports.
The match, lasting five hours and 29 minutes, showcased relentless intensity, breathtaking rallies, and a level of tennis rarely seen.
With both players born in the 2000s, this was the first major final of a new generation and it did not disappoint.
Saving Three Championship Points
Alcaraz’s resilience was put to the ultimate test. Down two sets and facing three championship points, the Spaniard somehow clawed his way back into the contest. His nerves held firm under immense pressure, and he summoned some of his finest tennis to turn the tide and extend the match into a fifth set.
Sinner’s Near-Miss After a Dominant Start
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was in cruise control for much of the early going.
The Italian star took the first two sets and appeared to be en route to his third straight Grand Slam title.
He had dropped serve only three times all tournament and was riding a 20-match Slam-winning streak before Alcaraz staged his breathtaking comeback.
Youthful Icons in a New Rivalry
This final was the first between two players born in the 21st century and what a way to kick off a generational rivalry.
Sinner and Alcaraz have now shared the last six major titles, underscoring their dominance in a post “Big Three” era. The baton has truly been passed.
Echoes of Rafael Nadal’s Early Glory
At 22 years, one month, and three days, Alcaraz now shares an astonishing stat with his idol Rafael Nadal.
Both reached five Grand Slam titles at that exact age. While Nadal earned Olympic gold, Alcaraz has a silver to his name, but the parallels are growing louder by the tournament.
A Tie-Break for the Title
With the match tied at two sets apiece, it came down to a 10-point fifth-set tie-break. Alcaraz seized control early and never looked back, closing out the match with a spectacular forehand winner.
His celebration falling to the clay in disbelief captured the enormity of the moment.
Agassi Presents the Trophy
Rather than Nadal, it was 1999 champion Andre Agassi who presented the trophy to Alcaraz.
In his acceptance speech, Alcaraz praised Sinner’s level, thanked fans from his hometown of Murcia, and paid tribute to the city of Paris, which he said “will always be in my heart.”
Total Points: Nearly Dead Even
Despite Alcaraz winning the match, Sinner actually won one more point 193 to 192. That statistic highlights just how closely contested the encounter was, and how small the margins were between triumph and heartbreak.
Tim Henman and McEnroe: High Praise
Tim Henman declared the match “one of the greatest” he’s ever seen. John McEnroe went further, suggesting that both players could have challenged Nadal at his peak, and marvelled at the current level of the men’s game: “The tennis level right now is higher than I’ve ever seen.”
A Gutting Loss for Sinner
Though gracious in defeat, Sinner was visibly heartbroken.
“I won’t sleep very well tonight, but it is okay,” he said.
Still, he acknowledged the privilege of playing such a match and expressed his deep connection to Paris, where he’s now reached yet another Grand Slam final.2024 US Open.
The rest of the tour is officially playing catch-up.
One for the Record Books
This was the second-longest French Open final ever and the second-longest Grand Slam final in history, just 24 minutes shy of Djokovic vs. Nadal in 2012.
It cements both players’ legacies and marks a thrilling new chapter in tennis lore.