logo
'Prince of Clay' Carlos Alcaraz stages epic rally to retain French Open crown

'Prince of Clay' Carlos Alcaraz stages epic rally to retain French Open crown

Japan Times2 days ago

Carlos Alcaraz battled back from the brink of his first loss in a Grand Slam final to outlast Jannik Sinner in a French Open title clash for the ages on Sunday, keep his crown and cement his status as the Prince of Clay in the post-Rafael Nadal era at Roland Garros.
In a scintillating showdown between the torchbearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old saved three match points in the fourth set to win 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (10-2) and continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian's 20-match winning run in the Grand Slams.
Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in 5 hours, 29 minutes — the longest final at Roland Garros — and soaked up the roaring ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd that was used to seeing Nadal, a 14-time champion, triumph at the event.
"I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament," Alcaraz told Sinner after collecting the Musketeers' Cup.
"I'm sure you're going to be champion not once, but many times. It's a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you."
The victory made Alcaraz only the second man since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Swiss great Roger Federer, but Alcaraz was more enthralled by an achievement he shared with fellow Spaniard and 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal.
"The coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Nadal, that's destiny," Alcaraz told reporters.
"It's a stat I'm going to keep forever ... It's a huge honor. Hopefully it's not going to stop like this."
Alcaraz and Sinner, who have won seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the men's game, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first Grand Slam final between two men born in the 2000s.
Sunday's thriller was the second-longest Grand Slam final of the Open Era and marked only the third time since 1968 that a player saved a match point en route to victory in a Grand Slam final.
Alcaraz matched Argentine Gaston Gaudio's 2004 French Open feat and Serbian Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon comeback in 2019.
Playing in his first Grand Slam after serving a three-month ban after a doping case, the top-seeded Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game that lasted 12 minutes.
However, the 23-year-old was broken in the fifth game when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 3-2 down and going on to snatch an intense opening set following an unforced error by Alcaraz.
Relentless pressure from the baseline allowed Sinner to go a break up early in the second set, and the top seed began to apply the squeeze on Alcaraz, who was on the ropes trailing 4-1 on a sunbathed Court Philippe Chatrier.
An aggressive Alcaraz came out fighting and drew loud cheers when he drew level after 10 games and then forced a tiebreak, but Sinner edged ahead with a blistering forehand winner and doubled his lead after the clock ticked past two hours.
Alcaraz, who had never come back from two sets down before, battled hard in hopes of avoiding heartbreak in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 5-3 down in the fourth, later restoring parity following the tiebreak.
He traded breaks in a high-quality decider and prevailed in the super tiebreak to become the third man this century to capture back-to-back French Open titles after Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten.
"He was born to play these kind of moments," Alcaraz's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero said.
"Every time we were in these situations, even when he was younger in the challengers ... he always went for it."
Sinner was left to digest how he let a golden chance to win the clay-court season's blue ribbon event slip away following hard court triumphs at the U.S. Open and Australian Open.
Alcaraz fell to the red dirt before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him, and the Spaniard then ran to the heaving stands to hug his team and celebrate.
"CARLOS II, PRINCE OF CLAY," the French Open posted on X.
Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench as his rival rejoiced, and was gracious in defeat when he congratulated him during the trophy ceremony.
"We tried our best today, we gave everything ... an amazing tournament even though it's very difficult now," Sinner said.
"It's a big privilege for me to play here ... I won't sleep very well tonight but it's okay."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No rest, no gain: Novak Djokovic's go-to tools for a mind and body reset
No rest, no gain: Novak Djokovic's go-to tools for a mind and body reset

Japan Times

time3 hours ago

  • Japan Times

No rest, no gain: Novak Djokovic's go-to tools for a mind and body reset

Novak Djokovic clearly takes tennis very seriously. The results speak for themselves: 24 Grand Slam titles, 40 ATP Masters 1000 trophies, seven year-end championships, and an Olympic gold medal. Especially now that he's in the twilight of his career, he also takes rest and recovery seriously. Over his two decades at the top of the sport, the 38-year-old Serb has filled his personal toolbox with practices that help him become the best version of himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And now, Japan residents with deep pockets have a chance to replicate his wellness and longevity routines. Djokovic, currently the world's No. 5 ranked men's singles player, has expanded his focus on health by partnering with Aman Resorts to design wellness retreats at seven of its locations around the world, including Tokyo. In an email response to The Japan Times, Djokovic described what those checking into the Aman hotel, which occupies the 33rd to 38th floors of the 200 meter-high Otemachi Tower, can expect to get out of his detoxification programs, which guests can personalize according to their preferences. 'My hope is that guests to Aman Tokyo will leave feeling more connected — to themselves, to nature, and to their inner vitality,' he said. Rather than promising quick fixes, these three-day programs — priced at a steep ¥271,000 not including the room — reflect a more nuanced view of well-being, inspired by Djokovic's own holistic approach to performance and recovery. The programs incorporate Japanese wellness philosophies, including activities like monk-led meditation and chanting. A 150-minute spa treatment, juice cleanse and poolside sound bath are also on the menu. Djokovic claims these are his tried and tested methods of relaxation, and it's hard to argue with his success on the court. 'Japan holds a special place in my heart,' he says. 'I have deep respect for the Japanese culture, the discipline, and the attention to detail in every aspect of life. The harmony between tradition and modernity in Japan is inspiring. Playing in Japan, especially at the Tokyo Olympics, was a memorable moment for me, and I hope to play in Japan again soon.' Djokovic is renowned for his meticulous health regimen but has been the source of controversy in the past for rejecting mainstream medical advice, including the COVID-19 vaccine. That stance caused him to miss several high-profile tournaments during the pandemic, including the Australian Open and U.S. Open in 2022. Djokovic starts his day with a glass of warm water and lemon, followed by two spoonfuls of Manuka honey. He drinks superfood smoothies and avoids coffee. He uses saunas and ice baths. He also prays, inhales essential oils, swims in the sea and even hugs trees. In 2025, it's more common to see athletes talking about the importance of mental recovery. Yoga and breathing exercises have become regular additions to training routines for both men and women in sport. But Djokovic discovered wellness long before it was trendy. Djokovic says his tried and tested methods of relaxation include poolside sound baths, which feature on the menu in Aman's new programs. | Aman Tokyo Djokovic left the Tokyo Olympics empty-handed after losing the bronze medal match in singles and pulling out of mixed doubles. But he captured his first Olympic gold in Paris last summer , becoming only the third man to complete a career Golden Slam — winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold in singles. For the seven-time Wimbledon champion, also a husband and father, wellness goes far beyond the physical realm. His book 'Serve To Win,' which came out in Japanese in 2015 and sold over 150,000 copies, is mostly about his gluten-free diet, but Djokovic makes it clear that food is only part of the health equation. 'It's a comprehensive daily routine that includes mental health, nutrition, and self-awareness. Staying competitive at the highest level for so long has required me to cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and balance,' he said. 'Off the court, I dedicate time to practices such as meditation, clean nutrition, and recovery routines that nourish both body and mind. This philosophy has supported my performance on the court and off the court in my personal and professional life.' The World Health Organization constitution states: 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.' Tatsuya Yamaguchi, a sports psychiatrist at Japan High Performance Sport Center and one of four mental health welfare officers who traveled to Paris as part of the Japan Olympic delegation , agrees that being healthy isn't just about looking after your body and staying free from illness. 'A holistic approach to health and wellness offers numerous benefits by addressing the whole person rather than just physical symptoms. When athletes get injured, they all feel and respond to pain differently because their emotions can affect how they experience pain. Providing relief from emotional pain can potentially reduce physical pain,' Yamaguchi said. Yamaguchi said the athlete handbook produced by his center defines 'intelligent' athletes as those that often excel in three areas: self regulation, adaptability and resilience. He explains that emotional intelligence skills are what sets top performers apart from the rest of the pack, and Djokovic's secret weapon is his brainpower. 'You could say Djokovic is practicing mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to enhance athletic performance. Studies indicate that it reduces activity in the brain's default mode network (DMN) and allows your mental engine to cool down. Mindfulness can help with anxiety and depression caused by an overactive DMN. It's a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.' Even a hyper-dedicated athlete like Djokovic knows you're not meant to work 24/7. And if you're not sleeping adequately, eating with intention and minimizing stress, peak athletic performance isn't possible — it isn't just about physical prowess, but deeply tied to overall health and well-being. 'Competing at the highest level for years has taught me that self-care isn't optional, it's foundational,' said Djokovic, who broke onto the scene in 2003 as a skinny teen from a war-torn country and is now considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time. 'The pressures of performance and the emotional toll of competition require athletes to be proactive about their well-being. From my personal experience, prioritizing mental clarity, physical restoration, and emotional balance allows us to not only perform better but to sustain our careers and personal fulfillment over time.'

Raducanu stars as women's tennis makes historic return to Queen's
Raducanu stars as women's tennis makes historic return to Queen's

Japan Times

timea day ago

  • Japan Times

Raducanu stars as women's tennis makes historic return to Queen's

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu stole the spotlight as women's tennis made a historic return to Queen's Club for the first time in 52 years on Monday. With the dust barely settled from the thrilling French Open titles won by Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff last weekend, Queen's marks the transition to grass courts and this year's event is a milestone moment in the tennis calendar. Since 1973, Queen's has been solely an ATP event. But a groundbreaking deal was struck last year to play a WTA 500 tournament in Barons Court before the men compete from June 16. Reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, Australian Open holder Madison Keys, 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina and world number five Zheng Qinwen are among the female stars set to feature at Queen's this week. But Raducanu, who famously won the U.S. Open as an 18-year-old qualifier in 2021, was the headline act on opening day. Fans waited in line for an hour to see the British star partnered with Katie Boulter in their 6-4, 6-2 first round doubles win over Jiang Xinyu and Wu Feng-hsien. Raducanu, who faces Cristina Bucsa in the singles first round on Tuesday, enjoyed the experience on the intimate Court One, bantering with Boulter and even laughing with spectators. "I love playing on those smaller courts where you really feel the support and crowd gets into it," she said. "I was filling my bottle up and I was literally having a chat in the stands because that's how close it is. It puts a really nice feel to it." Raducanu, who has struggled with poor form and back spasms this year, looked reinvigorated alongside Boulter. It was an especially memorable afternoon for Raducanu after her visits to Queen's as a child. "When I came with my dad, I was more hunting the (chocolate) brownies around the grounds and not so interested in the tennis! To be back now and competing in it feels amazing," the world number 37 said. Fittingly, Queen's center court was officially renamed the Andy Murray Arena on Monday in tribute to the retired Scot's five titles in the men's event. 'A privilege' Former world number one Murray has been an vocal advocate of women's tennis and was coached as a boy by Russian Olga Morozova, who was the last female Queen's champion in 1973. "Having women's tennis back at Queen's for the first time in over 50 years is brilliant," the two-time Wimbledon winner said. "I just met the last winner here, Olga Morozova, who actually coached me when I was 12, 13 years old. "It's a great chance for women to showcase themselves out there." When Morozova triumphed over half a century ago, the tournament was much different. Players arrived on the London underground, rain forced matches to be moved indoors onto a wooden court and the champion received just £1,000 ($1,353) in prize money. Sunday's final winner will bank a check for £120,000, but the total prize money fund for the women's tournament is only £1.04 million, while the men's event has a £2.12 million pot. Responding to criticism of that disparity, the Lawn Tennis Association pledged to have equal prize money at Queen's by 2029. Despite the awkward prize money optics, the mood at Queen's was resolutely upbeat. "It's a seminal moment, given it's the first time we've had a women's tournament in London for more than 50 years," LTA managing director Chris Pollard said. "In many respects it's long overdue." Over 80% of the tickets for the week have been sold, with fans treated to a dramatic first round loss for former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. Kvitova, who became a mother for the first time last year, was beaten 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 by Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia. The 35-year-old Czech has lost six of her seven matches since returning from maternity leave in February. "It's a privilege to be here," Haddad Maia said. "This club is very special and it means a lot to be on this stadium in front of everyone who loves tennis."

'Tennis the winner' as Alcaraz and Sinner set for enduring rivalry
'Tennis the winner' as Alcaraz and Sinner set for enduring rivalry

Japan Today

time2 days ago

  • Japan Today

'Tennis the winner' as Alcaraz and Sinner set for enduring rivalry

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner delivered one of the greatest Grand Slam finals in history at the French Open tennis By Martyn WOOD After producing one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner served an explicit reminder they are the two main forces set to reign in men's tennis for years to come. In the first French Open final in more than three decades between two players aged 23 or under, Alcaraz and Sinner delivered undoubtedly the most electrifying chapter in an increasingly captivating rivalry. It was the first time the pair had met in a Grand Slam final and it didn't disappoint, with twists and turns, high drama and outrageous shot-making from start to finish. "This one was the most exciting match that I've played so far, without a doubt," said Alcaraz after winning the longest final in Roland Garros history. "Today I think the match had everything." The five-hour, 29-minute epic indeed had it all, as Alcaraz saved three championship points in the fourth set on his way to a fifth Grand Slam title in as many finals. That he reached the milestone at exactly the same age as Rafael Nadal -- 22 years, one month and three days -- was "destiny", according to Alcaraz. The manner in which he won was equally as striking as Nadal's fifth major at Wimbledon in 2008, when he beat Roger Federer in another of the sport's all-time great finals. Alcaraz was reluctant to rank his win against that match but suggested Novak Djokovic's triumph over Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open was even better than Sunday's match. "If people put our match on that table, it's a huge honor for me," said Alcaraz. "I don't know if it is at the same level as those matches. So I let the people talk about it if for them (they) are almost the same. "But I'm just happy to put our match and our names in the history of the Grand Slams, in the history of Roland Garros." 'Taken tennis to another level' The spectacle in Paris lent more weight to the comparisons that had already been made between the sport's new rivalry and those shared by Djokovic, Nadal and Federer. Sinner said it was hard to compare different generations but appreciated being a part of it all. "I think every rivalry is different," said the Italian. "It's good to see that we can produce also tennis like this, because I think it's good for the whole movement of tennis." Federer and Nadal were among those to congratulate the finalists for an extraordinary performance. "Three winners in Paris today: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the beautiful game of tennis. What a match!" Federer wrote on social media. "What a great Roland Garros final," said Nadal. So gripping was the contest that Spain's soccer players huddled around a mobile phone to watch before their Nations League final loss on penalties to Portugal. With Federer and Nadal retired, and Djokovic now 38, this removed any remaining doubt of the dawn of a new era and answered the question as to who will fill the void left by the "Big Three." "I cannot believe how lucky we are that we are going to have this rivalry as they have taken our sport to another level," seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander told TNT Sports. "I never thought I would say that after the big three with Rafa, Roger and Novak but it is actually faster than ever, it is at a level (where) it is hard to believe they can do this." Alcaraz and Sinner first faced off in the second round of the Paris Masters in 2021. Alcaraz has won eight of 12 meetings -- including the last five -- but both players have already contributed so much with the prime of their careers seemingly still ahead. "Federer and Nadal played a couple of good finals, but nothing comes close to this," said Wilander, who won the previous longest Roland Garros final in 1982. "I thought: 'This is not possible - they're playing at a pace that is not human.' "These are two of the best athletes the human race can put forward and they happen to be tennis players." © 2025 AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store