logo
Carlos Alcaraz beats Sinner in longest-ever French Open final: Which earlier Roland Garros title clash held the record?

Carlos Alcaraz beats Sinner in longest-ever French Open final: Which earlier Roland Garros title clash held the record?

Hindustan Times3 days ago

Fans were entertained to pure tennis on Sunday at Roland Garros, as defending champion Carlos Alcaraz came back from behind to defeat Jannik Sinner in the French Open 2025 men's singles final. The Spaniard showcased immense resilence after going two sets down. It was Sinner, who took early control, and won the first two sets, 6-4 7-6.
Then Alcaraz came up with the perfect response, winning the third set (6-4), and then also clinched the fourth (7-6). The fifth set was pushed to a tie-breaker and it was the Spaniard who reigned supreme, winning it 10-2 and also clinched the final set, 7-6.
It was also the longest-ever Roland Garros final, lasting five hours and 29 minutes. Before Sunday, the longest-ever French Open final in the Open Era took place in 1982, when Mats Wilander beat Guillermo Vilas in four hours and 47 minutes.
Speaking after the match, Alcaraz praised Sinner, and said, 'I am pretty sure you are going to be champion not once, but many, many times. It is a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament.'
'I am just really, really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments; you are a huge inspiration to young kids and to me.'
He also thanked the fans, who played a key role in his win. 'Then Paris, guys, I mean, you have been a really important support to me since the first practice, since the first round,' he said.
'You were unbelievable. You were insane for me. I mean, I just can't, can't thank enough, you know, to you for the great support during the whole week, for today's match.
'For today's match, you were really, really important. You are in my heart and you'll always be in my heart. So thank you. Thank you very much, Paris. And see you next year,' he added.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Why the Alcaraz-Sinner French Open final is among the most epic battles
Why the Alcaraz-Sinner French Open final is among the most epic battles

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Why the Alcaraz-Sinner French Open final is among the most epic battles

Grand Slam finals carry an unmistakable aura. When a Slam final stretches into a five-setter, it signifies an enthralling contest between evenly matched rivals. Add multiple tie-breakers into the mix, and the sense of parity intensifies, turning the match into an absorbing duel between superior equals. These epic battles become historic. No fan can forget two such memorable men's tennis finals from the recent past. The longest Grand Slam final ever in the Open Era — a gruelling 5-hour, 53-minute battle between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the 2012 Australian Open — remains unmatched to this day. Djokers' celebration, during which he tore off his shirt, remains etched in every tennis fan's memory. Equally unforgettable is the memory of both the players, their legs trembling, at the trophy presentation, until someone brought them chairs. The 2019 Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Roger Federer stood out for different reasons. Lasting 4 hours and 57 minutes, it became the first Slam final to feature three tie-breaks in the Open Era. The sight of Djokovic squatting on Centre Court and eating grass in triumph signalled not just victory, but also a poignant end to Federer's legendary pursuit. Sunday's showdown at Roland Garros between World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz has earned its place among the greatest Slam finals. Lasting 5 hours and 29 minutes, it is the second-longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era. The chart shows the length in minutes for 122 Grand Slam Finals (data from 1991 to 2025). Each circle corresponds to a final. The higher the dots, the longer the finals. Interestingly, in recent years, matches have been relatively longer. The gripping encounter also featured three tie-break sets — only the second time in Open Era Grand Slam finals. However, the number of tie-breaks should be viewed with caution, as rules have varied across years and Grand Slams. The chart on the left shows the number of finals that featured three/two/ one/zero tie-break sets and the chart on the right shows the number of finals that featured five/four/three sets in the Open Era. What truly stood out on Sunday was Alcaraz's extraordinary comeback from being two sets down. To underscore just how rare this feat is: Sinner had only once before lost a match after winning the first two sets since 2021; that was against Djokovic at Wimbledon 2022. Indeed, in the Open Era, the number of times a player who was two sets behind and then went on to become the champion in a Grand Slam final is only eight. The table shows eight other Grand Slam finals in the Open Era in which a player lost the first two sets, but eventually won. Incredibly, the most recent occurrence before this was by Sinner himself, who fought back to win the 2024 Australian Open after trailing Daniil Medvedev by two sets. Medvedev, unfortunately, has experienced this twice — previously it was in 2022, against Nadal, in the Australian Open final. On three defining measures — a marathon encounter, multiple tie-break drama, and an unforgettable comeback — the latest Roland Garros final emphatically earns its place among the greatest championship matches ever played. The table shows the 12 finals that Jannik Sinner reached since 2024, with the winners and losers mentioned. With 38-year-old Djokovic's last Slam win happening in 2023, and Nadal and Federer now retired, tennis fans are eagerly turning their gaze towards Sinner and Alcaraz — the emerging rivals still in their 20s. Since 2024, Sinner has dominated the tour, winning 91 out of 99 matches (a 92% win rate), while Alcaraz, during the same period, has managed to win 91 out of 109 matches (a win rate relatively lower at 83%). Yet there's a twist. Since 2024, Alcaraz and Sinner have faced off five times — including three finals — and each time the Spaniard has emerged victorious. Sinner reached 12 finals in this period, winning all nine in which his opponent wasn't Alcaraz (Table 4). While few have managed to solve the Sinner puzzle, Alcaraz, despite faltering against others, has maintained a flawless record against the Italian in the last 18 months. The data for the charts were sourced from Tennis Abstract vignesh.r@

Feeling low in life? Anand Mahindra wants you to look at this poster and scoreboard of French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz for inspiration
Feeling low in life? Anand Mahindra wants you to look at this poster and scoreboard of French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz for inspiration

Economic Times

time8 hours ago

  • Economic Times

Feeling low in life? Anand Mahindra wants you to look at this poster and scoreboard of French Open winner Carlos Alcaraz for inspiration

French Open 2025 winner Carlos Alcaraz made a epic comeback to win the title. (Photo: Carlos Alcaraz's astonishing comeback victory at the 2025 French Open final wasn't just a celebration of athletic excellence—it became a global metaphor for resilience. Among the millions who were inspired by his unyielding grit, Indian business icon Anand Mahindra was one of the first to express what many felt: this was more than sport. Mahindra, known for using social media to spotlight determination and leadership, hailed a defining moment of perseverance as Alcaraz saved three championship points at 0–40 in the fourth set and went on to win the title. To Mahindra, the image of Alcaraz under pressure wasn't just tennis—it was a visual pep talk for life Anand Mahindra, and many others who witnessed the moment, Alcaraz's fightback had symbolic value. In a world quick to abandon effort at the first sign of failure, his revival at the brink of defeat stood as a loud rebuttal. Mahindra's call to 'make a poster of this picture' was not just a nod to the athlete's triumph—it was an endorsement of the never-give-up spirit that drives not just players, but entrepreneurs, creators, and dreamers worldwide. "It isn't over till it's over. NEVER give up," he emphasized, turning a sporting moment into a universal credo. The epic five-hour, 29-minute match against Jannik Sinner in Paris—now the longest final in Roland Garros history—was an ode to human willpower. Alcaraz's ability to claw his way back from two sets down, under the weight of history, fatigue, and a formidable opponent, resonated well beyond the stadium. It wasn't just the fans or tennis legends who took notice; leaders from other fields like Mahindra saw the deeper message: resilience is not theoretical, it is forged in the heat of adversity. Alcaraz demonstrated that true champions are revealed, not made, by pressure. — anandmahindra (@anandmahindra) The final was a masterclass in stamina, mental grit, and sheer belief. With every rally, the two young titans—Alcaraz, 22, and Sinner, 23—pushed the limits of what was once considered peak performance. The scoreline, 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2), told only part of the story. Carlos Alcaraz's journey to the Roland Garros title this year was also a dramatic passing of the torch. For over two decades, the tennis world had been dominated by the Big Three—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. With Federer and Nadal retired, and Djokovic now 38, the final between Alcaraz and Sinner signaled the start of a new golden age. The intensity, quality, and athleticism displayed by both men didn't just match the past—it arguably surpassed stats themselves were staggering. The players combined for 123 winners. The match ended with Sinner having scored 193 points to Alcaraz's 192, showing just how tightly contested it was. Yet it was Alcaraz who had the composure and mental edge in the final set tiebreaker, dominating 10-2, and sealing his fifth Grand Slam title—maintaining a perfect record in showdown was not just a clash of skill; it was a psychological war. Alcaraz had to wrestle with near defeat, not once but thrice, with three match points against him in the fourth set. Most players at that point would have collapsed under the pressure. Instead, Alcaraz dialed up his level, channelled composure and belief, and defied the moment. It was the kind of performance that legends are built on—not for the titles alone, but for the character social media, netizens echoed Mahindra's awe and admiration. 'The comeback writes a better story than the win itself,' said one user, summing up the emotional narrative that unfolded on the clay courts of Paris. Another chimed in, 'Champions get up even when they can't!'—a tribute to Alcaraz's tenacity in saving three match points. Many found the moment personally inspiring. 'Never giving up isn't just a mindset, it's a lifestyle,' wrote a viewer. 'Thank you for sharing this, Sir. Needed this reminder today.' For others, the display of heart under pressure felt almost cinematic: 'Real life better than fiction. Awesome stuff!' one post read. Another captured the spirit of the night perfectly: 'When your back is against the wall, greatness doesn't just play… it fights.'Even seasoned tennis veterans were in awe. Mats Wilander, former champion and analyst, said he never thought he'd see tennis played at a higher level than during the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era, but the Paris final proved him wrong. The quality, pace, and athleticism on display exceeded all expectations. Andre Agassi, who presented the trophy, said Alcaraz may be even more dangerous on grass courts, praising the young Spaniard for combining the defensive speed of Djokovic, the feel of Federer, and the topspin firepower of Nadal. ( Originally published on Jun 10, 2025 )

Likely Manolo Marquez exit points to national team shake-up
Likely Manolo Marquez exit points to national team shake-up

Time of India

time12 hours ago

  • Time of India

Likely Manolo Marquez exit points to national team shake-up

Action from the Hong Kong, India AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday. India lost 1-0. (AIFF) Panaji: India coach Manolo Marquez cut a forlorn figure after the solitary goal loss against Hong Kong, understandable for a man who savoured just one win from his eight games in-charge of the national team. The first six games were in his dual role as coach of club and country but worryingly for the Spaniard, both his games as full-time coach of the national team ended in defeats. If the 2-0 loss against an under-strength Thailand in an international friendly was brushed aside with the focus being on the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifiers, the defeat against Hong Kong left everyone deflated. 'The dressing room is like a funeral, practically,' Manolo said after the game at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. 'We are not very happy. We are sad. But I still think that India has possibilities to qualify.' India are at the bottom of the four-team group with just a point from the first two games which started with a draw against Bangladesh. Singapore and Hong Kong are on top with four points. Only the group winners make it to Saudi Arabia in 2027. Mathematically, India can finish on top, but even if it happens, Manolo won't be around to savour the achievement as the Spanish coach is expected to part ways with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) later this month. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Transform Your Child's Confidence with Our Public Speaking Program Planet Spark Book Now Undo 'From June 1, Manolo became a full-time national team coach, and he cannot walk out of his two-year contract on his own,' a senior official told TOI on Wednesday, 'Both parties must agree on termination. Given the situation at the moment, with the chief coach hesitant to continue and the results not entirely convincing, the mutual parting of ways is a mere formality.' A formal parting of ways is expected to take place when the technical committee of the AIFF and its executive committee holds separate meetings on June 29. Manolo Marquez and Sunil Chhetri during a training session in Kolkata in May 2025. (PTI) Manolo will be disappointed with the unexpectedly early end to his stint as national coach. Having managed teams at every level, including grassroots, youth, third division, second division, women's football, and the LaLiga with Las Palmas in 2017, the national team job was the only one missing for the Spaniard. He was brought on board after agreeing to do a dual job with FC Goa and India, but the results have been far from satisfactory. 'I cannot say anything negative about the players. The attitude was there, we had a plan too. In some moments, I felt we could have played better with the ball and be brave. But this is about the situation that the team is not winning, and the players are a little nervous,' said Manolo. It was Manolo who flew down to Bengaluru from Goa to convince Sunil Chhetri to come out of international retirement, seeing him as a short-term solution, given that the other leading scorers among domestic players was an uncapped winger and a left-back. Chhetri agreed, scored once against Maldives -- Manolo's only win as national team coach -- but hardly made an impression in the subsequent games. Against Hong Kong, India's highest international goal-scorer didn't even make it to the starting XI. When the next round of Asian Cup qualifiers are played against group leaders Singapore, away (Oct 9) and home (Oct 14), AIFF would have found a replacement for Manolo as national coach. Replacing Chhetri won't be as straightforward, unless the 40-year-old forward decides it's time for India to start afresh. Maybe his starting on the bench on Tuesday was a pointer to how things might shape out in the coming months.

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