French Open: King Alcaraz outlasts Sinner in nearly six hour contest to win men's title

A clash that had brought up high expectations did not let anyone down. It was a masterpiece of a tennis match.

Carlos Alcaraz saved three championship points as he produced an astonishing fightback from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner in a Roland Garros final for the ages on Sunday.

Reigning champion Alcaraz rallied from the brink of defeat to overcome world No 1 Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/2) to clinch his fifth Grand Slam title after five hours and 29 minutes.

The 22-year-old Spaniard is now unbeaten in five Grand Slam finals after snapping Sinner's 20-match winning run at the majors.

"I'm pretty sure you'll be champion not once, but many many times. It's a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament. Making history with you," Alcaraz said, addressing Sinner after the final.

Alcaraz pulled off his first-ever comeback from two sets down to stun Sinner in the longest Roland Garros final in history. It easily eclipsed the 1982 final in Paris when Mats Wilander triumphed in four sets over Guillermo Vilas in 4hr 42min.

Alcaraz becomes the third youngest man to win five Grand Slams – after Bjorn Borg and compatriot Rafael Nadal – following an incredible duel between the two stars of a new generation.

Sinner, the Italian top seed wasted three match points at 5-3, 40-0 up in the fourth set and was also 6-5 up in the decider, before Alcaraz clawed his way back in dramatic fashion to win the title for the second year running.

Sinner fell agonisingly short of a third successive Grand Slam crown after last year's US Open title and back-to-back Australian Open triumphs.

"It's easier to play than talking now," a devastated Sinner told AFP. I won't sleep very well tonight but it's okay, he added.

Sinner will remain world number one despite the loss, with Alcaraz second. The two next take on the challenge of the Grass Court tournament Wimbledon in London England that will be the next Grand Slam held on 30 June and will be played until 13 July 2025.