Alcaraz stuns Sinner in extraordinary French Open final

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered from two sets down - saving three championship points on the way - to beat Jannik Sinner in an incredible French Open men's singles final.

Alcaraz's reign on the Roland Garros clay looked to be over when world number one Sinner closed in on victory at 5-3 in the fourth set.

But the 22-year-old Spaniard showed extraordinary fight to win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes - the longest French Open final in history.

In an electrifying atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz produced the finest performance of his career to claim a fifth major title.

In his victory speech, he told Sinner: "The level you have is amazing.

"It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history."

The world number two had never previously won a match after losing the opening two sets.

Alcaraz is the first man to win a Grand Slam title after saving match point since Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

Sinner, who was bidding for his maiden Roland Garros triumph, was denied his third successive major after a gruelling, gritty and glorious encounter.

"It's easier to play than talk now," said the 23-year-old, who was playing in only his second tournament since returning from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests.

"I'm still happy with this trophy - I won't sleep very well tonight but it is OK."

The first Grand Slam showpiece between the two dominant players on the ATP Tour had been a tantalising prospect - and it surpassed the hype.

Both pushed themselves - and each other to the limit - in a classic contest who showcased all of their shot-making, athleticism and resilience.

The majority of the 15,000 fans were jumping to their feet after every point in a thrilling finale, where both players continued to execute top-quality shots that often defied belief.

Alcaraz flew out of the blocks in the first-to-10 match tie-break of the fifth set, sapping every last bit of energy of Sinner before sealing victory with a whipped forehand winner down the line.

He fell flat on his back before Sinner trudged around the net for a warm, heartfelt embrace.

Alcaraz somehow found the energy to sprint off court, climbing up the stands to celebrate with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, the rest of his team and family members including his parents.

After the second longest major final in history, both players were given rapturous rounds of applause as they collected their trophies.

Sinner has emerged as the standout player on the ATP Tour over the past 18 months, with a machine-like brand of tennis reminiscent of 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in his prime.

Little appears to faze the mild-mannered Italian on or off court – even the controversy surrounding the doping case which rocked the sport.

Sinner agreed a three-month ban with the World Anti-Doping Agency shortly after retaining his Australian Open title in January, meaning he did not miss a Grand Slam tournament and was able to take his place at Roland Garros.

It was like he had never been away.

Sinner did not drop a set on his way to his maiden French Open final, losing serve only three times in his six matches - the fewest since Spanish great Rafael Nadal in 2012.

But his serve instantly came under intense pressure against Alcaraz in an elongated start which included a 12-minute opening game.

The quality of his service game varied as the contest ebbed and flowed, but landing 54% of his first serves over the whole match was a telling statistic.

Alcaraz broke him seven times as a consequence and swarmed over Sinner's second serve to take control of the final-set tie-break.

Questions were raised about Sinner's fitness and durability if the final went long, given he is still in the early stages of his comeback, but he answered them in the longest match of his career.

Addressing his team afterwards, he 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."