Latest news with #ofClay
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Tennis: Prince of Clay Alcaraz battles back from the brink to retain French Open crown
9 June 2025 17:26 PARIS (REUTERS)Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink of a first Grand Slam final loss to outlast Jannik Sinner in a French Open title clash for the ages on Sunday and keep his crown, cementing his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros' post-Rafa Nadal a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old saved three match points in the fourth set to win 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(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 at the showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes - the longest final at Roland Garros - and soaked up the roaring ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to 14-times champion Nadal's reign."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."Victory made him only the second man since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Swiss great Roger Federer but Alcaraz was more enthralled with an achievement he shared with fellow Spaniard and 22-times major champion Nadal."The coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Nadal, that'sdestiny," Alcaraz told reporters."It's a stat I'm going to keep forever ... It's a huge honour. Hopefully it's not going to stop like this."Alcaraz and Sinner, who have lifted seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority in the men's game, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the five-hour-plus fiesta was the second-longest Grand Slam final in 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 matched Argentine Gaston Gaudio's 2004 French Open feat and Serbian Novak Djokovic's Wimbledon comeback in his first Grand Slam after serving a three-month ban after a doping case, top seed Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 the 23-year-old was broken in the fifth game when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense opening set following an unforced error by 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 1-4 on a sunbathed Court Philippe 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 who had never come back from two sets down before, battled hard in the hope of avoiding heartbreak in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth, later restoring parity following the traded breaks in a high-quality decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to become the third man to capture back-to-back Roland Garros titles this century after Nadal and Gustavo was left to digest how he let slip a golden chance to win claycourt's blue riband event following hardcourt 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 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."
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Alcaraz saves three match points to stop Sinner and retain French Open crown
The 22-year-old showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes — the longest final at Roland Garros. Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) in a French Open final for the ages on Sunday to retain his crown and cement his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland-Garros' post-Rafa Nadal era. In a scintillating showdown between the torchbearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old Alcaraz saved three match points in the fourth set to continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory over the Italian. 'I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have,' said Alcaraz, only the second man in the professional era to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Roger Federer. 'Congratulations for an amazing two weeks. I'm pretty 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. 'I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and in other tournaments.' The duo, who have captured seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the men's tour, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s. Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes — the longest final at Roland Garros — soaking up the ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to Nadal's reign during his run of 14 titles. Tense start Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes, but was broken when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense first 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 1-4 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, battled hard in the hope of avoiding his first loss in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth set, later restoring parity via the tiebreak. He traded breaks in the decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to win the longest Paris men's final since tennis went professional in 1968, while Sinner had to digest a missed chance to add to his US and Australian Open wins after a doping case. Alcaraz fell to the ground before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him, and the Spaniard then ran to the stands to hug his team and celebrate. Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench, and was gracious in defeat. 'Carlos, congratulations on an amazing performance and an amazing battle. I'm happy for you. You deserve it,' he said. 'We tried our best today, we gave everything … an amazing tournament, even though it is very difficult right now. It is a big privilege for me to play here… I won't sleep very well tonight, but it is okay.' Five Slams Alcaraz has now won his five Grand Slam finals and handed Sinner his first defeat in a major final after the Italian claimed his first three at the Australian Open (2024 and 2025) and US Open (2024). Alcaraz thanked the crowd for their support, which he said helped him throughout the tournament. '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.' Sinner was gracious in defeat. 'First of all, Carlos, congrats. An amazing performance, amazing battle, amazing job. I am very happy for you, you deserve it. It's easier to play than talking now,' said the 23-year-old Sinner, who was on a 20-match winning streak in the majors. The two finalists, who have won seven of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the tour, were locked in a fierce battle that mesmerised the 15,000 crowd. 'To my team, thank you so much for putting me in this position. We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would've signed to be here. Still an amazing tournament, even though it's very, very difficult right now,' said Sinner. DM
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Alcaraz saves three match points to stop Sinner and retain French Open crown
PARIS - Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) in a French Open final for the ages on Sunday to retain his crown and cement his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros' post-Rafa Nadal era. In a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old Alcaraz saved three match points in the fourth set to continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian's 20-match winning run at the majors. "I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have," said Alcaraz, only the second man in the professional era to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Roger Federer. "Congratulations for an amazing two weeks ... I'm pretty 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. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and in other tournaments." The duo, who have captured seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the men's tour, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s. Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes - the longest final at Roland Garros - soaking up the ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to Nadal's reign during his run of 14 titles. Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes, but was broken when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense first 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 1-4 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, battled hard in the hope of avoiding his first loss in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth set, later restoring parity via the tiebreak. He traded breaks in the decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to win the longest Paris men's final since tennis went professional in 1968 while Sinner had to digest a missed chance to add to his U.S. and Australian Open wins after a doping case. Alcaraz fell to the ground before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him and the Spaniard then ran to the stands to hug his team and celebrate. Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench, and was gracious in defeat. "Carlos, congratulations on an amazing performance and an amazing battle. I'm happy for you. You deserve it," he said. "We tried our best today, we gave everything ... an amazing tournament even though it is very difficult right now. It is a big privilege for me to play here... I won't sleep very well tonight but it is okay." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Alcaraz saves three match points to win French Open
Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) in a French Open final for the ages on Sunday to retain his crown and cement his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros' post-Rafa Nadal era. In a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old Alcaraz saved three match points in the fourth set to continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian's 20-match winning run at the majors. "I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have,"said Alcaraz, only the second man in the professional era to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Roger Federer. "Congratulations for an amazing two weeks ... I'm pretty 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. "I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and in other tournaments." The duo, who have captured seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority on the men's tour, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s. Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes - the longest final at Roland Garros - soaking up the ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to Nadal's reign during his run of 14 titles. Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes, but was broken when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense first 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 1-4 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, battled hard in the hope of avoiding his first loss in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth set, later restoring parity via the tiebreak. He traded breaks in the decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to win the longest Paris men's final since tennis went professional in 1968 while Sinner had to digest a missed chance to add to his U.S. and Australian Open wins after a doping case. Alcaraz fell to the ground before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him and the Spaniard then ran to the stands to hug his team and celebrate. Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench, and was gracious in defeat. "Carlos, congratulations on an amazing performance and an amazing battle. I'm happy for you. You deserve it," he said. "We tried our best today, we gave everything ... an amazing tournament even though it is very difficult right now. It is a big privilege for me to play here... I won't sleep very well tonight but it is okay."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Carlos Alcaraz wins epic five-hour French Open final from two sets down after saving THREE match points vs Jannik Sinner
WHAT A FINAL, what an outstanding comeback, what a fabulous sporting rivalry this is. Three times Carlos Alcaraz was a point away from surrendering his grip of the French Open to the world No.1 Jannik Sinner. Advertisement 3 Carlos Alcaraz has won the French Open 3 The Spaniard became the first player to win Roland Garros after facing three match points 3 Sinner started in style before Alcaraz turned on the magic Three times he managed somehow, in thrilling, defiant fashion, to stay alive in this spell-binding contest. And to the great delight of the majority of the well-heeled Roland Garros crowd, who were all getting excellent value for their money, the Spaniard went on to retain his status as the King of Clay in an unforgettable, historic fifth-set tie-break. More than five hours and five sets of enthralling rallies saw Alcaraz drop to his knees and burst into tears, having done what he had never done before in eight previous attempts – win a tennis match having lost the opening two sets. No man before had faced THREE Championship points on Court Phillipe-Chatrier and then ended up lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires a few hours later. Advertisement A 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 triumph for the 22-year-old saw him bank £2.1million in prize money and lift a fifth major title, a feat only Bjorn Borg and Rafa Nadal had achieved earlier in their lives. After the longest final in the tournament's history – at five hours and 29 minutes – and second longest in the Open Era, Alcaraz became the third man this century to defend the French Open. And on his natural surface, this will go down as his hardest fought Slam success. It was gripping, edge-of-the-seat stuff, the best match so far in a Gen Z rivalry that will define men's tennis for the next 10-15 years. Advertisement Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS This was one of the greatest matches we had ever witnessed in tennis. It was exhausting to watch. Pity, too, the parents of both men who had to watch helplessly as their two sons knocked seven bells out of each other. Carlos Alcaraz stuns French Open fans with classy gesture as he wins rally but concedes point due to little-known rule Sinner, who drank pickle juice to avoid cramping in the fifth set, lost for the first time at a major since the 2024 Wimbledon quarter-finals. Advertisement The US Open and Australian Open champion saw his 20-match winning streak come to an end as he once again lost a match that had gone past the four-hour mark. This final took place thirty-four days after his return to the sport following a controversial drugs ban. It was only on May 5 when he returned to full-time competition having served a three-month suspension for failing two doping tests in March 2024 in the United States. A shock deal was agreed with the World Anti-Doping Agency ahead of a proposed appearance at the Court of Arbitration for Sport but the settlement caused plenty of anger and furore. Advertisement Sinner, 23, had been cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent panel after testing positive for the banned substance clostebol, which he claims entered his system via massages from his physiotherapist. This showpiece occasion will surely be the first of many occasions when Sinner and Alcaraz, both under the age of 24, will contest a Grand Slam final. Theirs is a rivalry that will define the next era of the sport – they already hold all of the four Slams – and this was the first men's major championship match between two stars born in the 2000s. The future is already here. Their head-to-head is also based on sportsmanship and respect – there were several moments when one of the aces swiftly conceded a point despite the officials calling the shot out. Advertisement Neither warrior gave an inch in an opening set that took 65 minutes – the first game alone, which saw Jannik hold serve, lasted 12 minutes. Alcaraz was the clear favourite with the crowd and though Sinner was able to read his whipping and stinging forehand in set two, he never lost the faith that the fightback was possible. Sinner had not dropped a set at one of the four big tournaments since the fourth round of the Aussie Open – Holger Rune snatched one that day – but a sequence of 31 consecutive sets was broken in set three. Game nine of set four is one Sinner will remember for the rest of his life as he had three match points on the Alcaraz serve and yet he could not find a way past the Iberian matador. Advertisement The lanky red-haired ace was being stretched to his physical capacity and it was evident he was tiring as he decided not to run for some drop shots coming his way. Commendably he remained competitive in the decisive set, breaking back when he was 5-4 down, Alcaraz's extra physicality proved crucial as he dominated the Championship tie-break. And a few metres from where there is a permanent plaque with Rafa Nadal's footprint, the current Spanish superstar was crowned clay champion once again, 90 minutes after he saved those match points. There was a lovely symmetry that the trophy was handed to him by former champion Andre Agassi, who himself had come from two sets down to shock Ukraine Andrei Medvedev in 1999. Advertisement At some point, once the celebrations have stopped, Alcaraz will have to think about getting ready for his Wimbledon defence, which starts in three weeks. Because this was a bruising, physical heavyweight tie that pushed every sinew and muscle to his limits – and will live very long in the memory. Read more on the Irish Sun THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at Advertisement
