Paris, France — In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, Carlos Alcaraz captured the French Open title for a second consecutive year on Sunday, triumphing over Jannik Sinner in a nail-biting five-set match that lasted five and a half hours. Alcaraz, the top seed, staged a comeback after dropping the first two sets, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(4), 10-2.

The contest featured intense momentum shifts and three tiebreaks, emblematic of the fierce rivalry between the two competitors. Sinner, the second seed, started strong, claiming the first two sets with a commanding performance that put him in a position to capture his first Grand Slam title. However, Alcaraz’s tenacity shone through, as he battled back to claim victory in what is expected to be regarded as an immediate classic.

Sinner initially seized the momentum, capitalizing on his chances to lead 6-4 in the first set. In the second set, he surged ahead to a 4-1 lead, but Alcaraz clawed back, ultimately forcing a tiebreak where Sinner prevailed. The Italian faced a pivotal moment in the fourth set, where he held three championship points. Alcaraz, however, displayed remarkable resolve, battling back to secure the set and force a deciding fifth set.

As the match progressed, both players exhibited signs of fatigue, but Alcaraz remained composed and focused. Their grueling yet exhilarating showdown not only broke ground as the longest match in Roland-Garros history but also marked the third-longest men’s final match in the Open Era.

Alcaraz’s victory afforded him his fifth Grand Slam title, further cementing his status as a formidable presence in men’s tennis. Known for his ability to thrive in lengthy contests, Alcaraz’s record improved to 13 wins against just one loss in five-set matches. Conversely, Sinner’s struggle continues, now having lost all seven matches that extended beyond four hours.

Both players exchanged momentum throughout the match, especially during the third set when Alcaraz quickly found his footing after a challenging start. The Spaniard won the set 6-4, invigorating the crowd and demonstrating his fighting spirit. Despite Sinner’s attempt to edge ahead once more in the fourth set, Alcaraz displayed remarkable poise, winning crucial points to maintain his pursuit of the title.

As the match wore into the late stages, Sinner was visibly drained but refused to yield. An invigorating push from the Italian in the fifth set had both players locked in tense exchanges. However, Alcaraz ultimately seized control during the final tiebreak, finishing decisively to clinch the championship.

With this hard-fought victory, Alcaraz not only defended his title but also highlighted his capacity for resilience and skill, raising anticipation for his future endeavors on the ATP Tour.