Carlos Alcaraz is the new-old champion of Roland Garros. The Spaniard made a phenomenal comeback against world number 1 Jannik Sinner for a second consecutive title in Paris after 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2). The match lasted 5 hours and 31 minutes, remaining only 22 minutes shy from the record for the longest match in history - the Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in 2012.

The first three games of the match took 25 minutes, which set the stage for an endlessly intriguing and contested final in the French capital. Alcaraz was the more active of the two and made a break in the fifth game, which, however, was immediately returned. Gradually, Sinner recovered and after another break took the opening set. Alcaraz seemed upset by what had happened and his opponent quickly pulled 3-0 in the second set. At 5-3, however, Sinner cracked and Alcaraz restored the tie, and then it came to a tiebreak. In it, the world number 1 was more solid for a two-set lead.

Sinner led with a break in the third set, but Alcaraz went on a killer streak of four consecutive games. This secured the set in his favor, although Sinner returned the break, but was broken immediately after. The key moment came in the fourth set, when the leader in the scheme pulled 5-3 and had three consecutive match points on the opponent's serve, but was unable to capitalize on any of them. Instead, Alcaraz returned the break and won the ensuing tiebreak. Last year's champion started the decisive fifth set with a break, but Sinner returned it in the tenth game. It came to another tiebreak, this time a championship one - up to 10 points. Alcaraz pulled ahead 7-0 and from there until the end of the match, there was no turning back for Sinner.

Alcaraz made a few more winners and unforced errors - 70 to 53 winners, and 73 to 64 unforced errors.

For Alcaraz, this is the fifth Slam title of his career in his fifth final of the highest category. He defended his crown in Paris and pulled ahead 8-4 in direct clashes with Sinner, who in turn lost his first Grand Slam final after two victories in Australia and the one in the United States last year. The world number 1 was on a streak of 31 consecutive sets won in Slams, but that streak was interrupted today.

"First of all, congratulations, Carlos. An amazing performance in a battle that will be remembered for a long time. I also want to congratulate the people from your team for a job well done. It is easier to play than to talk. I want to thank the people who have given me the opportunity to be here. We gave our all and I think no one can blame us for not leaving everything on the court. It is difficult now. Thanks to all the organizers. For us players, it is a unique privilege to be here. Even though I lost today, I am very happy and proud of what I have achieved. I will certainly not sleep very well tonight. And I will not miss the audience either. See you soon", said Sinner.

"I want to start with Jannik. The level you show is incredible. Today and throughout the tournament. I know how much work you have done with your staff. I know how much you wanted to win this tournament, you deserved it. It is always a privilege for me to share the court with you, to create this history. I am really very happy with the history we have created. You are a huge example for all the children in the world. I wish you much success and luck. I want to thank Juan Carlos, my family. I am very lucky to have come across this coaching staff. Thank you to everyone who was unable to come to Paris, but nevertheless supported me vividly. Of course, thanks also to all the organizers. Whenever it is time for Roland Garros, I can't wait to come. Special thanks to Amelie Mauresmo. And to address the Parisian audience - you and your support have helped me incredibly much, I know it is from the heart. See you next year", were the words of the two-time champion Alcaraz. | BGNES