Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner presented the world with a legendary Roland Garros final on Sunday. The Spaniard won after five grueling sets. Both understood how special their match was.
After the 5 hour and 29 minute final, Alcaraz was overjoyed. “I played with all my heart, didn’t think too much and tried to play my best tennis,” the 22-year-old Spaniard told Eurosport.
“It was amazing and the feeling is hard to put into words,” continued Alcaraz, who prolonged his title in Paris. “Jannik’s level was so high. This is the first time I’ve come back from a 2-0 deficit. He also had match points and served for the match.”
Alcaraz had kind words for his opponent. “I am convinced that you will be the champion here not once, but often,” he said to Sinner. “It is an honor to write history together with you, here and at other tournaments. You are an inspiration for young children and also for me.”
The 23-year-old Sinner knew that the lost final – especially after his three missed match points in the fourth set – will linger in his mind for a while. “I won’t sleep well tonight, but it’s okay,” said the weary Italian.
Sinner was also full of praise for his opponent. “You played great,” said the world number one. “It was a great fight. I’m happy for you, you deserve it. I don’t know what else to say. It’s easier to play than to talk right now.”
Alcaraz understood how special the marathon match was. “I think it was one of the best finals ever,” the Spaniard reflected. “But I think the highest level was the final of Novak against ‘Rafa’ at the Australian Open.”
With that, Alcaraz showed that he knows his stuff. Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played the longest Grand Slam final ever in Melbourne in 2012. Djokovic stepped off the court as the winner after 5 hours and 53 minutes. That match lasted 24 minutes longer than the memorable final between Alcaraz and Sinner.