Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal React to the Historic Clash Between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller to claim his second consecutive French Open title in Paris.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal React to the Historic Clash Between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer (via X/The Tennis Letter/LTA)

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played one of the most entertaining matches in tennis history on Sunday (June 8) in the French Open final. The Spaniard emerged victorious after the longest final in the tournament’s history after over five hours. Tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal praised them for their performances.

Alcaraz was heading to a defeat in the fourth set after Sinner was about to serve for the championship match leading 6-4, 7-6(4), 5-4 (40-0), but the Spaniard showed resilience and pure determination, turning the tie around. The 22-year-old saved three championship points to beat the Italian 4-6, 6(4)-7, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in five hours and 29 minutes.

The greatest French Open champion of all time Rafael Nadal reacted to the huge win on X, congratulating his fellow Spaniard while praising Sinner for his brilliant performance throughout the match:

What an incredible ending to Roland Garros! Congratulations Carlos Alcaraz! Congrats also Jannik Sinner for the great battle.

Also, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer congratulated Sinner and Alcaraz for their incredible display at the Court Philippe-Chatrier on his Instagram story:

3 winners in Paris today. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and the beautiful game of tennis.

However, the win earned Alcaraz his fifth Grand Slam title at 22. He’s now a two-time champion in the French Open and at Wimbledon and one in the US Open. The Australian Open now remains the only major tournament he is yet to win in his career, having reached the quarter-finals this season and last year.

The Spaniard will now seek to become a three-time Wimbledon champion in a matter of weeks, when the grass-court Grand Slam kicks off on June 30. If Alcaraz does win at Wimbledon, he would get ahead of Nadal in career tally at that major, as they have both won it twice in their careers. Additionally, the odds are certainly in Alcaraz’s favor to defend the Wimbledon Championship after remaining undefeated in Grand Slam singles finals.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals what he was thinking during his win against Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner produced jaw-dropping tennis, with both players showing resilience and fighting spirit. Surely the tie will be discussed for decades to come in the sport. However, the major spotlight will be on Alcaraz, who came from two sets down to win the match. He had never come from behind in such a manner at a Grand Slam event.

After the victory, he was asked what went through his mind while battling for every point on the court. He revealed that he sometimes wondered how he would break down Sinner’s tactics, which worked well for most of the match:

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (3)
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Univers Tennis)

Today there were moments in the match where the level was insane. Sometimes I thought, ‘What can I do?’ He was hitting incredible shots. The level was very, very high. I enjoy playing at such a high level against Jannik, having that battle. It was great. I thought people were also enjoying it. For me, honestly, sometimes it felt unreal.

Nonetheless, Alcaraz arrived at the start of the clay season under immense criticism following his poor run at the Miami Open. But he has suddenly got the best out of himself on the red dirt. He lost just once on clay this season and won three titles, including the Monte Carlo Masters and Italian Open.

His only loss came in the final at the Barcelona Open against Holger Rune, and that was due to an injury that he suffered during the match. That made him withdraw from the Madrid Open. However, Alcaraz will now hope to continue with his form in the grass-court season as he’s expected to kick off his campaign at the Queen’s Club Championship, which starts on June 16.

Also Read: PGA Tour Comparing Carlos Alcaraz to Tiger Woods After Winning French Open Doesn’t Sit Well with Golf Fans: “Don’t Try to Compare Anyone to the Goat”