Carlos Alcaraz wins French Open title after stunning comeback five-sets victory over Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his French Open title after a final for the ages against Jannik Sinner.

The Spaniard had to use all of his champion’s mentality to defeat Sinner by winning in five sets after losing the opening two.

Alcaraz lost the first two sets 4-6, 6-7 (4-7) before triumphing 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2) in the final three sets to lift his second Roland Garros title.

The stunning feat was all the remarkable as he fought off three championship points for Sinner during the fourth set. He is the first man to win a Grand Slam title after saving match point since Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

This final will go down in history for so many reasons – including that it was the longest one ever played, lasting five hours and 29 minutes.

In an extraordinary moment of synergy, Alcaraz – who has maintained his 100 per cent win record in Grand Slam finals – has won his fifth Grand Slam title at 22-years-old, one month and three days, the exact same age as when compatriot Rafael Nadal achieved the same feat.

‘The level you have is amazing,’ said a humble Alcaraz to Sinnner in his post-match presentation speech. It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.’

For Sinner, this defeat will live long in his memory. ‘It’s easier to play than talk now,’ said the 23-year-old Italian, who was playing in only his second tournament since returning from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests.

‘I’m still happy with this trophy – I won’t sleep very well tonight but it is OK.’