In a thrilling French Open men’s singles final, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner after trailing by two sets and preserving three title points in the process.
At 5-3 in the fourth set, world number one Sinner appeared to be closing in on victory, ending Alcaraz’s dominance on the Roland Garros clay.
However, after five hours and 29 minutes, the 22-year-old Spaniard won 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) in the longest French Open final ever.
Alcaraz had his best performance to win a sixth major championship in a thrilling match on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“The level you have is amazing,” he said to Sinner during his winning speech.
“It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”
Alcaraz 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.
The world number two had never previously won a match after losing the opening two sets.
Sinner, bidding for a maiden Roland Garros triumph, was denied his third successive major after a gruelling, gritty and glorious encounter.
“It’s easier to play than talk now,” said the 23-year-old, 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.”