Alcaraz and Sinner set for an enduring rivalry

PARIS: After producing one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner served an explicit reminder they are the two main forces set to reign in men’s tennis for years to come.

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In the first French Open final in more than three decades between two players aged 23 or under, Alcaraz and Sinner delivered undoubtedly the most electrifying chapter in an increasingly captivating rivalry.

The Spaniard won the final 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/2).

It was the first time the pair had met in a Grand Slam final and it didn’t disappoint, with twists and turns, high drama and outrageous shot-making from start to finish.

"This one was the most exciting match that I've played so far, without a doubt," said Alcaraz after winning the longest final in Roland Garros history.

"Today I think the match had everything."

The five-hour, 29-minute epic indeed had it all, as Alcaraz saved three championship points in the fourth set on his way to a fifth Grand Slam title in as many finals.

That he reached the milestone at exactly the same age as Rafael Nadal — 22 years, one month and three days — was “destiny” according to Alcaraz.