Carlos Alcaraz has called his five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s French Open men’s singles final as the “most exciting” match of his career, Afrosport reports.
The 22-year-old Spaniard came from two sets down to defeat world number one Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2) and win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros and the fifth Grand Slam of his career.
The match stood out as it lasted for five hours, 29 minutes, making it the second longest Grand Slam final after the 2012 Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal which lasted for five hours, 53 minutes.
“Well, this one was the most exciting match that I’ve played so far, without a doubt. I mean, I think the match had everything, really good moments, really bad moments,” Alcaraz said.
“Just really, really happy. I’m proud about how I deal with everything. I mean, it wasn’t easy. The first match that I came back from two sets to love down. I think it was in a better occasion to do it in the final of a Grand Slam.”
He added: “It is incredible, with this victory we put our name in the history of Roland Garros and Grand Slams. It’s incredible. I say that when you win after suffering, the feeling is very special.
“Of course, I would prefer not to reach the edge and win in the best way we can. But if I have to battle for 5 and a half hours and play the tie-break in the 5th set I do it.”
Legacy
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Alcaraz’s fifth Grand Slam win saw him tie compatriot Rafael Nadal who won five of his 22 majors at the same age of 22 years, one month and three days old.
