Carlos Alcaraz Stuns Sinner in Five-Set French Open Classic/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Carlos Alcaraz claimed his fifth Grand Slam title in epic fashion, defeating Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller at the 2025 French Open. The Spaniard overcame a two-set deficit and saved three match points in the longest French Open final of the Open Era. Alcaraz now owns a remarkable 22-1 clay court record this season.
Carlos Alcaraz French Open Victory: Quick Looks
- Historic Comeback: Overcame two-set deficit, saved 3 match points.
- Final Score: 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2).
- Record Time: Longest French Open final at 5 hours, 29 minutes.
- Major Milestone: Fifth Grand Slam title, third comeback win in a final.
- Alcaraz Quote: “No time to give up in a final.”
- Opponent Praise: Sinner—“You deserve it. I won’t sleep tonight.”
- Celebrity Attendance: Spike Lee, Natalie Portman, Pharrell, Dustin Hoffman.
- Clay Dominance: Alcaraz now 22-1 on clay in 2025.
Deep Look: Alcaraz Pulls Off Epic Comeback to Win 2025 French Open Against Sinner
Paris, France
In one of the most unforgettable matches in Grand Slam history, Carlos Alcaraz staged a thrilling five-set comeback to defeat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and capture the 2025 French Open title, extending his Grand Slam final record to a perfect 5-0.
Brick-by-Brick Comeback
Alcaraz dropped the first two sets 4-6, 6-7(4), only to storm back and win the next three sets 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) in a record-breaking 5-hour, 29-minute showdown — the longest French Open final in the Open Era.
This victory marked Alcaraz’s third Grand Slam title won from behind, showcasing his elite mental strength and refusal to concede in the face of adversity. He saved three match points, stunned the Parisian crowd with impossible drop shots, and delivered when it mattered most.
“It’s a Grand Slam final. It’s no time to give up,” said the 22-year-old. “That’s what the real champions have done their whole careers — not being afraid.”
A Match of Millimeters
The match was as close as tennis can get: Sinner won 193 points, Alcaraz 192. But what separated the two was Alcaraz’s ability to deliver under pressure. His 70 winners, compared to Sinner’s 53, made the difference — particularly his flawless execution in both of the final two tiebreakers.
Down 0-40 and facing three match points at 3-5 in the fourth set, Alcaraz launched a stunning comeback. His defense turned offense, backed by audacious winners and remarkable poise, kept him alive in a game that should have gone to Sinner.
Sinner’s Sportsmanship, Alcaraz’s Grit
Despite his own heartbreak, Jannik Sinner displayed true sportsmanship, overruling the umpire in Alcaraz’s favor late in the match.
“It’s an amazing trophy, so I won’t sleep tonight very well, but it’s okay,” Sinner said.
Alcaraz praised the crowd’s support, noting their energy fueled his improbable win.
“Just amazing, the support you have given me today,” he said during the trophy ceremony.
Grand Slam Greatness, Cemented
With this triumph, Alcaraz joins a rare club — only nine players in the Open Era have come back from two sets down in a Grand Slam final. Legends like Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi, and Rafael Nadal have done it before him. Now Alcaraz has etched his name alongside theirs.
He also joins Novak Djokovic as the only player to produce such a comeback in a French Open final in recent memory — Djokovic did it in 2021 against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Celebrities Witness a Classic
From Pharrell Williams and Spike Lee to Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman, the star-studded crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier was treated to a rollercoaster of tennis brilliance.
Alcaraz, known for his infectious energy and showmanship, gave them a performance for the ages. Every drop shot, leaping forehand, and acrobatic point drew gasps and standing ovations.
After clinching victory with a blazing forehand down the line, he collapsed on his back, overwhelmed by emotion. Moments later, he was dancing with his team near the box.
Rivalry and Redemption
Alcaraz’s win extends his dominance over Sinner to five straight matches, including a semifinal win at Roland-Garros last year and a recent victory at the Italian Open final.
The pair’s budding rivalry has become one of tennis’s most thrilling narratives, promising many more electric clashes.
“The crowd got exactly what they came for — a warrior performance,” said tennis analyst Patrick McEnroe. “And Alcaraz delivered.”
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