Alcaraz, Sinner light up Roland Garros to herald new era

AFTER producing one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner delivered a clear reminder that they are the two main forces poised to dominate men’s tennis for years to come.

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In the first French Open final in over three decades to feature two players aged 23 or under, Alcaraz and Sinner wrote arguably the most electrifying chapter yet in their fast-developing rivalry.

It was the first time the pair had met in a Grand Slam final — and it did not disappoint, with momentum shifts, high drama, and breathtaking 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. “I think the match had everything.”

The five-hour, 29-minute epic truly had it all, as Alcaraz saved three championship points in the fourth set en route to capturing his 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, in Alcaraz’s words, “destiny”.

The manner of his victory was as striking as Nadal’s fifth major title at Wimbledon in 2008, when he overcame Roger Federer in another of the sport's all-time classic finals.