A Test of Endurance and Heart

Carlos Alcaraz captured his fifth Grand Slam title after overcoming Jannik Sinner in an epic showdown with scores of 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), and 7-6(2). The match lasted 5 hours and 29 minutes, becoming the longest final ever played at Roland Garros. At 22, the Spaniard is now the first player born in the 21st century to win 20 professional titles and the third youngest to claim five majors, behind only Bjorn Borg and fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

It was the first time Alcaraz had come back to win after dropping the opening two sets. His mental and physical strength were on full display as he saved three championship points and pushed the match to the edge of tennis history.

Sinner Falls Again to His Toughest Rival

Despite arriving in Paris with a perfect record in sets, Jannik Sinner couldn't hold off a determined Alcaraz. The Italian, who had won 20 straight Grand Slam matches, fell short once again against the only player who seems to consistently challenge him. This marks the fifth consecutive win for Alcaraz over Sinner, and the second this season.

During a tense fourth set, Sinner had a golden opportunity to clinch the title with a 0-40 lead on Alcaraz’s serve—but the Spaniard held firm, saved all three match points, and rallied to win the set. In the decisive fifth, Alcaraz elevated his game to a near-perfect level, breaking Sinner’s rhythm and sealing the match in a dramatic final tiebreak.

From the stands, celebrities like Spike Lee and Dustin Hoffman were seen applauding the incredible feat. With this victory, Alcaraz strengthens his status as the new king of clay, following the footsteps of Nadal.

With a perfect record in Grand Slam finals—five wins in five attempts—Alcaraz has firmly cemented his place among the sport’s elite. This one, however, may go down as his most iconic yet.