In an epic showdown at Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz pulled off one of the most incredible comebacks in tennis history to retain his French Open crown. The 22-year-old Spaniard rallied from two sets down, saving three championship points, to defeat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2) in a grueling five-hour and 29-minute final – the longest men’s singles final in the Open Era at the French Open.
The match was a monumental display of skill, endurance and mental toughness, capturing the attention of tennis fans around the world. Alcaraz, who had never before won a match after dropping the opening two sets, defied the odds, showcasing why he is considered a generational talent.
Jannik Sinner had appeared in complete control early on, taking the first set 6-4 and narrowly edging the second in a tiebreak 7-6 (7-4). At one point in the fourth set, Sinner led 5-3 and 40-0 on Alcaraz’s serve, poised to clinch the title. However, Alcaraz’s relentless spirit shone through as he saved three match points and fought back to win the set in another tiebreak. The momentum toll mounted on Sinner as the match progressed.
“The level you have is amazing,” Alcaraz said in his victory speech, addressing Sinner. “It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”
Alcaraz’s comeback was historic: he is the first man in history to save three championship points en route to winning Roland Garros. This feat places him alongside legends like Novak Djokovic, who last saved match points to win a Grand Slam at Wimbledon 2019.
With this victory, Carlos Alcaraz claimed his fifth Grand Slam title in as many major finals, becoming the third youngest man to reach this milestone behind Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal. He now holds two French Open titles, adding to his 2022 US Open and back-to-back Wimbledon wins in 2023 and 2024.
The match was not only a showcase of individual greatness but also marked the emergence of a compelling new rivalry in men’s tennis. Sinner, despite falling short, displayed remarkable determination on his return from a three-month doping ban, reaching his first Roland Garros final without dropping a set before encountering Alcaraz.
Speaking after the match, Sinner said, “We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here [in the final] so it’s still been an amazing tournament.”
The thrilling match has been heralded as possibly the greatest men’s final in French Open history and has been hailed for the unprecedented level of tennis and drama. It broke the previous record by nearly 50 minutes. Alcaraz and Sinner’s battle is being viewed as the new defining rivalry of the ATP Tour, signaling a shift from the era dominated by the Big Three.
This victory also comes with significant financial rewards. Alcaraz earned a prize of $2,897,947.50, while Sinner took home $1,449,228.75 as the finalist.
Fans can next see these two titans in action at Wimbledon from June 30 to July 13, with excitement building for more classic encounters to come.
Reflecting on his mindset during the match, Alcaraz told The Guardian, “So I just wanted to be one of those players who saved match point in the grand slam final and ended up winning.” His words encapsulated the never-say-die attitude that propelled him to this legendary win.
Summary of the 2025 French Open Men’s Final Scoreline:
- Jannik Sinner 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2)
This match marks a new chapter in men’s tennis, with Alcaraz and Sinner poised to battle for years and inspire a new generation of fans. The 2025 French Open final was not just a match; it was a masterclass in resilience and talent.
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