Carlos Alcaraz saved three championship points against Jannik Sinner to win his second French Open title in a row, defeating the World No 1 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 (10-2) in a five-and-a-half-hour epic that was settled by a match tiebreak.
Sinner held three championship points as Alcaraz served down 3-5 0-40 in the fourth set, but stayed alive and then broke the Italian in the next game. Alcaraz won the fourth-set tiebreak then held his nerve and produced a series of astonishing winners in the decider to win one of the greatest grand slam matches of all time.
Coming from two sets down for the first time in his career, Alcaraz improved his record in grand slam finals to five wins from five appearances, as he ended Sinner’s bid for a third consecutive major title and halted the Italian’s run of 20 wins in a row at the biggest tournaments.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz is the first man to win consecutive French Open titles since his Spanish idol Rafael Nadal, while also improving his winning record against the otherwise dominant Sinner to five wins in a row against him.
It was Alcaraz and Sinner’s first grand slam final against each other, and it was an instant classic. Follow live updates and scores from the French Open final below
French Open LIVE: Latest scores and updates
- Carlos Alcaraz defends French Open title in five-set epic against Jannik Sinner
- Sinner had three championship points saved in fourth set
- Alcaraz joins elite group of back-to-back Roland Garros champions including Rafael Nadal
- Yesterday, Coco Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win gripping women's final
'That's destiny': Carlos Alcaraz on matching mind-blowing Rafael Nadal stat
23:18 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal were both exactly the same age - 22 years, one month and three days - when they won their fifth grand slam.
“Honestly the coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam in the same age as Rafa Nadal, I'm going to say that's destiny, I guess,” Alcaraz said.
“I mean, it is a stat that I'm going to keep for me forever, winning the fifth Grand Slam at the same time as Rafa, my idol, my inspirations.
“It's a huge honor honestly. You know, hopefully it's not going to stop like this.”
Carlos Alcaraz: 'I just put my heart into it'
22:19 , Jamie Braidwood“Yeah, it was honestly amazing. To put into words is really difficult. Being two sets down against the world No. 1, the level he was playing was unbelievable. The first match I came back from two sets down.
“I just put my heart into it, tried to keep it going, not thinking about the result, just putting my tennis on. Not giving up. It was just fighting, fighting, thinking point after point.
“At the end of the fifth set I was just playing with the heart, and I think I did OK.”
Jannik Sinner on his mentality after being up championship point
21:55 , Jamie Braidwood“It's quite obvious, no? But, you know, until you are still playing, you don't, you know, think of the chances you had or something like this.
“I tried to delete everything, every set. In Grand Slams you try to start from zero again. You know, I was of course disappointed about the fourth set and match points and serving for the match.
“But again, I stayed there mentally. I didn't give him any free points. When it was over, it was over. That's a different feeling”
Carlos Alcaraz improves his five-set record
21:49 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz has now won 10 fifth-sets in a row, improving his record in the deciding set of a grand slam to an incredible 13-1. His only defeat came when he was just 18, to Matteo Berrettini in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Record-breaking French Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner
21:21 , Jamie BraidwoodAt five hours and 29 minutes, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have played the longest French Open final of all time.
It surpasses the previous record, between Mats Wilander and Guillermo Vilas in 198 (4h 42m).
Alcaraz and Sinner almost got close to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal - five hours and 53 minutes
Carlos Alcaraz just third man to win grand slam title by saving match points
21:20 , Jamie BraidwoodAccording to Opta Ace, Carlos Alcaraz is the third played in the Open Era to win a men’s singles Grand Slam final after having saved match points(s).
Gaston Gaudio (Roland Garros 2004) and Novak Djokovic (Wimbledon 2019) are the other two.
'For me, this tournament is special'
21:12 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz revealed why the French Open is a ‘special one’ for him.
He continued: "Everyone who makes possible this event, this tournament for me is really special, I can't wait to come here every year.
“Special thank you to Amelie [Mauresmo, tournament director].
“The work you are doing is amazing and it is not easy to deal with us so thank you and congratulations.”
'I want to thank my team'
21:08 , Mike JonesMore thanks and praise from Carlos Alcaraz who mentioned his family and the support they provide.
"I want to say thank you for everything to my team and my family,” he said.
“I have the privilege to live great things with you.
“I was lucky to have a lot of people who came from Murcia from home to support me.
“Amazing support you have given me today and the whole two weeks. This trophy is yours as well.”
How Carlos Alcaraz broke his own limits - and Jannik Sinner - to win astonishing French Open final
21:07 , Jamie BraidwoodIn his ascent to becoming a four-time grand slam champion at the age of 22, there was one thing that Carlos Alcaraz had yet to manage: in eight attempts, the Spaniard had never before come from two sets down to win a match. He had certainly never come from three championship points down. As Jannik Sinner, the World No 1, stood on the brink of extending his winning streak to a third grand slam title, the odds of Alcaraz beating his young rival looked impossible.
But Alcaraz held a super-power up his sleeve: in an astonishing, five-hour, 29-minute epic, the deeper the trouble Alcaraz faced, the higher the level he produced, and the further he soared.
How Alcaraz broke his own limits - and Sinner - to win astonishing French Open final
Alcaraz on Sinner
21:04 , Mike JonesMore from Alcaraz who added:
"I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you [Sinner] in this tournament, in other tournaments, you are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself.
“Good luck and all the best for what is coming."
'It is a privilege to share the court with you'
21:00 , Mike JonesAfter winning the French Open title, Carlos Alcaraz was complimentary to Jannik Sinner his defeated opponent.
Speaking on court after his win, Alcaraz said: "I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have, congratulations for an amazing tournament to you and your team.
"I know the hard work you put in. I know how hard you are chasing every tournament. I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you.”
Five in a row
20:56 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz also becomes the first man to win each of his first five Grand Slam singles finals in the Open era.
Record breaking Alcaraz
20:52 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz is the third player in the Open era to win a men’s singles Grand Slam final after saving match points, following Gaston Gaudio (Roland Garros 2004) and Novak Djokovic (Wimbledon 2019).
French Open prize money 2025
20:48 , Mike JonesMen’s and women’s singles
Winner €2,550,000 (£2.13m)
Runner-up €1,275,000 (£1.07m)
Semi-finalists €690,000 (£579,000)
Quarter-finalists €440,000 (£369,000)
Fourth round €265,000 (£222,300)
Third round €168,000 (£141,000)
Second round €117,000 (£98,130)
First round €78,000 (£65,420)
Coco Gauff responds to Aryna Sabalenka over ‘not fair’ French Open final claim
20:44 , Jamie BraidwoodCoco Gauff said Aryna Sabalenka’s suggestion that she would have lost the French Open final to Iga Swiatek was not “fair” after the American won her first Roland Garros title by beating the World No 1.
In difficult, windy conditions, Gauff fought from a set down to defeat Sabalenka 6-7 6-2 6-4 and win her second grand slam title on the Paris clay. However, a disgruntled Sabalenka criticised her own performance, in which she made 70 unforced errors, and said “it was the worst final I have ever played”.
Coco Gauff responds to Aryna Sabalenka over ‘not fair’ French Open final claim
'Thank you for making this a special event'
20:40 , Mike JonesSinner’s praise also went to the organisers at Roland Garros for making the tournament ‘special’.
He added: "Thank you so much to the organisers of everything for making this tournament such a special event.
“You make us feel at home and you make life easier for all of us, so thank you so much.
"Obviously the support has been amazing throughout the whole couple of weeks. You are amazing, so thank you again.
"I will see you guys again next year. Thank you."
French Open title presentation
20:37 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner receives his runners-up plate.
'It's been an amazing tournament'
20:33 , Mike JonesMore from Jannik Sinner now.
The 23-year-old Italian lost three championship points in the fourth set but still reflected that his tournament was a success.
He said: "It’s easier to play than to talk right now.
“Thank you so much to my team for helping me put myself in this position. We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. Some time ago, we would have loved to be here so it's still been an amazing tournament.
"Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay. It is a big privilege for me to be here and to play here. For me, Paris is a really special place. I have achieved many great things here. I'm still happy with this one. It is an amazing trophy.
"I won't sleep very well tonight but it is okay."
'Congratulations to Carlos'
20:29 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner was on the verge of tears, rightly so, as he started his post match speech.
Having received his runners-up plate he said: "First of all, congratulations Carlos [Alcaraz].
“It was an amazing performance from you again. It was an amazing battle. Congratulations to you and your team, you did an amazing job.
“I'm very happy for you. You deserve it so congratulations.”
Carlos Alcaraz is the French Open champion
20:23 , Mike Jones
'I'm happy to make history with you'
20:19 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz praised Jannik Sinner for a great tournament and calls him an inspiration for fans as well as himself.
‘I’m happy to be able to make history with you’ he tells the Italian.
French Open title presentation
20:18 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz is now welcomed onto the stage. Andre Agassi hands him La Coupe des Mousquetaires, and he hoists the trophy high into the air.
The crowd roars their cheers and Alcaraz smiles. The Spanish national anthem is played and the French Open title winner enjoys the adulation.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the 2025 French Open
20:16 , Mike Jones
'Carlos, you deserved it'
20:13 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner is very gracious in defeat and congratulates Carlos Alcaraz and his team saying the Spaniard ‘deserved to win’.
‘It’s very difficult now, but we gave it our best’ he says of his own team.
French Open title presentation
20:11 , Mike JonesAndre Agassi is welcomed onto the court to present the trophy.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion won here in 1999.
Jannik Sinner is applauded loudly as he receives the runners-up plate.
The crowd very much enjoyed that match.
Sinner dumbstruck
20:09 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner looks dumbstruck as he sits in his seat. This final will go down in history, he was on the losing side of it and that will sting for a while.
French Open title presentation
20:08 , Mike JonesCourt Philippe Chatrier is now packed with ball boys and girls as well as the line judges to celebrate their achievements throughout the tournament.
A video of Carlos Alcaraz’s tournament campaign is played on the big screen.
The trophy is brought out as well ready for Alcaraz to lift it.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the French Open
20:06 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz saved three championship points against Jannik Sinner to win his second French Open title in a row, defeating the World No 1 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 in a five-and-a-half-hour epic that was settled by a match tiebreak.
Sinner held three championship points as Alcaraz served down 3-5 0-40 in the fourth set, but stayed alive and then broke the Italian in the next game. Alcaraz won the fourth-set tiebreak then held his nerve and produced a series of astonishing winners in the decider to win one of the greatest grand slam matches of all time.
Coming from two sets down for the first time in his career, Alcaraz improved his record in grand slam finals to five wins from five appearances, as he ended Sinner’s bid for a third consecutive major title and halted the Italian’s run of 20 wins in a row at the biggest tournaments.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz is the first man to win consecutive French Open titles since his Spanish idol Rafael Nadal, while also improving his winning record against the otherwise dominant Sinner to five wins in a row against him.
It was Alcaraz and Sinner’s first grand slam final against each other, and it was an instant classic.
Carlos Alcaraz wins the French Open
20:03 , Mike Jones
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-7 Carlos Alcaraz
20:01 , Mike JonesThis final was the longest in French Open history. Five hours and 29 minutes.
These two heroes battled it out blow-for-blow. Jannik Sinner had it won, then he didn’t.
The Italian can barely believe what has just happened.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-7 (2-10) Carlos Alcaraz
19:59 , Mike JonesSinner fails to return Alcaraz’s serve and he now has seven championship points to go at.
Sinner sends his serve to Alcaraz’s backhand and he gets the return back. Sinner works him to the left and goes to the net.
Alcaraz sprints across the court, meets the ball and whips it down the line!
Sinner is beaten, Alcaraz has the point, he has the tiebreak, the set, the match and the championship!
Carlos Alcaraz is the 2025 French Open champion.
From two sets down and defending three championship points, Alcaraz gets through the most difficult of circumstances to win at Roland Garros for a second year in a row!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-6 (2-8) Carlos Alcaraz
19:56 , Mike JonesFinally, Sinner gets a point as Alcaraz fails to return a serve.
His next serve also helps him out as Alcaraz pushes a forehand long.
Alcaraz is in control though, Sinner pushes a backhand too long and the Spaniard moves within two.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-6 (0-7) Carlos Alcaraz
19:54 , Mike JonesThe crowd as almost euphoric at how this tiebreak has gone.
Sinner finds the net again and gives up another point.
Alcaraz switches sides. He sends down the next serve to Sinner’s forehand and the Italian gets the return back.
He forces Alcaraz to the backhand but he drills one down the line and moves within three!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-6 (0-5) Carlos Alcaraz
19:52 , Mike JonesAnother point! Alcaraz tries the drop shot and forces Sinner up the court. the Italian gets there but a volley from Alcaraz pass his opponent and brings him up to four!
Sinner smokes a forehand too long and both points from his serve go to Alcaraz. The Spaniard is halfway there!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-6 (0-3) Carlos Alcaraz
19:51 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz draws first blood and takes the opening point of the tiebreak against the serve.
He then lands an incredible forehand across the court to win the next point as well. That is beautiful.
Alcaraz’s next serve is to the body but Sinner gets it back. A high bouncing rally develops but Sinner goes long!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-6 Carlos Alcaraz
19:49 , Mike JonesWow! Carlos Alcaraz takes a bow. From deuce he gets through to a hold.
The French Open title will be decided by a tiebreak. First to 10 points, who will it be?
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:47 , Mike JonesAlcaraz has an important service game here and makes his intention known by coming to the net and putting the volley over to win the first point.
A backhand from the Spaniard clips the tape though and Sinner draws level at 15-15.
Wow! Sinner pushes Alcaraz back then comes to meet a short hit. He flicks it over for a drop and Alcaraz sprints across court before whipping his return wide.
The Spaniard then takes the next point as once more these men cannot be separated. 30-30.
A bullying backhand from Alcaraz beats Sinner for pace and puts him on the brink of forcing a tiebreak.
Nope! Sinner’s return of serve lands on the baseline and this game goes to deuce.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:41It goes to Sinner! He holds serve and will have a chance to win the championship.
He just needs to break Alcaraz’s serve again. Can he do it?
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:39 , Mike JonesHas Jannik Sinner got enough left in the tank to win this match?
Maybe he does.
After breaking Alcaraz’s serve at the best moment, he takes control of his own service game before some simple errors see Alcaraz force deuce.
Sinner goes to advantage with a stellar shot. Alcaraz is caught off guard, the ball passing him by, Sinner’s fist pump short.
The Italian is dragged back to deuce though as Alcaraz comes forward for a smash winner. Where is this game going?
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:33 , Mike JonesSinner! He sprints up the court and manages to stretch for a drop shot. He flicks it over and Alcaraz doesn’t get there.
15-40. Two break points for Sinner.
He breaks!
Alcaraz misses the chance to win the match and this set is back on serve.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:31 , Mike JonesOkay then, let’s go.
Carlos Alcaraz is serving for the title. He sends a forehand too long and the first point goes to Jannik Sinner.
0-15.
Sinner then unloads on a second serve and Alcaraz drops further behind.
0-30.
He steps on the front foot and attacks. Forehands to the baseline, Sinner responds but goes long.
15-30.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:28 , Mike JonesWell then. Jannik Sinner doesn’t give Carlos Alcaraz a sniff at a potential break of serve and holds to 15.
The real battle is this next game with Alcaraz serving for the match and the championship.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 3-5 Carlos Alcaraz
19:24 , Mike JonesThe pressure moves back onto Carlos Alcaraz. He knows he needs to keeping holding his own serve and starts well.
An attempted drop shot fails to get over the net from Alcaraz and Sinner is back at 15-15.
An ace is perfectly placed and perfectly timed from the Spaniard.
Sinner drives a return of serve too long and Alcaraz inches towards a hold.
He doesn’t get it straight away as Sinner’s forehand allows him to move to 40-30.
Alcaraz holds! He’s one game away.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 3-4 Carlos Alcaraz
19:20 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz is now just a couple of games away from winning this tournament.
Sinner feels like he’s almost hanging in there but there are still moments of epicness. A blazing backhand down the line is one of them.
Sinner holds serve to love and the crowd are swinging to his side now.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 2-4 Carlos Alcaraz
19:17 , Mike JonesOh wow! Alcaraz is forced to lunge for a volley. He stumbles to the ground but the ball goes over the net and he takes the point!
A double fault then gives Sinner hope of a response and he takes by with a fine backhand to move 15-30 up.
At 30-30, Alcaraz wins the point with a drop shot as Sinner fails to get up the court. He’s not happy as he thinks Alcaraz’s serve is out of play.
Hawkeye shows he was right.
The frustration shows on Sinner who then punts the next return of serve too long.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 2-3 Carlos Alcaraz
19:12 , Mike JonesThis is now the longest ever Roland Garros final as the match time ticks past four hours and 42 minutes.
Alcaraz has the advantage but needs to hold three more service games to get over the line.
Can he do it?
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 2-3 Carlos Alcaraz
19:11 , Mike JonesBoth men are struggling with cramps and Alcaraz is draining pickle juice to ease the pain.
This match may be decided by who has the most energy towards the end of the set.
They can’t be separated. Sinner wins a point, Alcaraz gets it back and repeat.
30-30.
Alcaraz puts a backhand too long and Sinner closes on a hold of serve. He sends the ball to Alcaraz’s backhand and the Spaniard can’t get it over the net.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 1-3 Carlos Alcaraz
19:06 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner moves to advantage but Alcaraz fires a serve out wide and then punches himself back to deuce with a forehand.
Unreal! Both men trade blows with their forehands before Alcaraz decides the drop shot is the way to go.
Sinner sprints up to the net but can’t reach it. Alcaraz goes to advantage.
Huge! Alcaraz blazes a forehand past Sinner at the baseline and gets a hold of serve.
He moves ahead in the set.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 1-2 Carlos Alcaraz
19:00 , Mike JonesSinner is keeping things together well but has avoided running for a couple of drop shots.
Alcaraz moves 40-30 up and Sinner’s calm facade begins to crack.
The Italian hangs on though and unleashes a backhand on a second serve which flies down the line and lands in play.
Deuce.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 1-2 Carlos Alcaraz
18:54 , Mike JonesBoth players exchange points at the start of the next game before an ace from Sinner nudges him back into the lead.
Alcaraz then lifts a forehand too long and Sinner gets his hold.
A crucial one which halts the building momentum from Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 0-2 Carlos Alcaraz
18:51 , Mike JonesSinner is walking gingerly now, especially after that slide up to the net. Fatigue may be hitting him.
Alcaraz begins the second game and Sinner gifts him the point with a forehand that hits the net and goes long.
The defending champion works his way up to 30-15 and the crowd roars once more as he takes the next point.
Sinner is as unreadable as ever but he must be feeling it inside.
A backhand return of serve misses the baseline and Alcaraz completes his break with a great hold!
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz
18:47 , Mike JonesSinner has the serve in this first game of the deciding set.
He finds the net in the opening rally then Alcaraz has the beating of him with the forehand and moves 0-30 ahead.
Sinner pings another forehand into the net and that means Alcaraz has two break points.
The first one is saved as Alcaraz hooks a return of serve too wide.
Alcaraz wins the second! A backhand slice brings Sinner up to the net and the Italian’s return is lifted wide.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 0-0 Carlos Alcaraz
18:41 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner won the first two sets, Carlos Alcaraz won the next two.
There’s one more to play. Which was will it go?
The momentum is all with Alcaraz but can Sinner find some more reserves and get over the line or will the Spaniard defend his title?
FOURTH SET! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 (3-7) Carlos Alcaraz
18:39 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz has three set points. He needs just the one. A whipped return of serve forces Sinner off balance.
He then opens up the court and laces the ball to the far side to clinch the tie break!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-6 (3-6) Carlos Alcaraz
18:38 , Mike JonesThis is incredible from Carlos Alcaraz who is a few points away from taking the match into another set.
Sinner’s second serve brings him another point but Alcaraz has a couple of opportunities to close in on the set.
He takes the first one as Sinner pushes a backhand long. He takes the second one as well.
Unreal.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-6 (2-4) Carlos Alcaraz
18:35 , Mike JonesAce! Alcaraz serves out wide twice and is ahead for the first time in the tiebreak.
The pressure back to Sinner now. He misses a first serve and sends the second into the left side of the box.
A backhand rally ensues and Sinner pushes on wide!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-6 (2-1) Carlos Alcaraz
18:33 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner wins the first point, against the Carlos Alcaraz serve, as the Spaniard drills a backhand into the net.
Sinner’s own serve increases his lead after another error - a backhand sent long - from Alcaraz.
The third point goes to Alcaraz though! He unloads a forehand across court and takes the point from the serve.
Game on.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-6 Carlos Alcaraz
18:31 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner shakes off the malaise and works his way up to 40-15 before a powerful forehand from Alcaraz keeps the game going.
Alcaraz then drills a forehand into the net and the game goes to Sinner.
A powerful hold of serve sends the fourth set into a tiebreak.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 5-6 Carlos Alcaraz
18:25 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner was so close to winning the tournament but now he’s back on level terms with Alcaraz in control of the set.
The Spaniard also has the crowd behind him which can’t be easy to handle.
Alcaraz is superb. He keeps the ball in play and waits for Sinner’s mistakes.
They come and he holds serve to love!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
18:21 , Mike JonesThe pressure is huge. Sinner may be feeling it. He faults with a first serve and sends the second the backhand.
Alcaraz dictates the rally and comes forward to win with a backhand volley.
15-40.
Two break points for Alcaraz to keep this match alive. Sinner sends the serve to middle of the box. Alcaraz bullies him again and Sinner goes long!
The fourth set is back on serve.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 5-4 Carlos Alcaraz
18:19 , Mike JonesSinner begins with a second serve to the middle of the box. He and Alcaraz trade forehand shots and Sinner puts his too long.
0-15.
The next serve goes wide and Sinner forces Alcaraz across both side of court. He tries a couple of overhead smashes but Alcaraz gets both back. Sinner then drops a volley over the net to take the point.
15-15.
Another forehand from the Italian lands too long and he slips behind once more.
15-30.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 5-4 Carlos Alcaraz
18:16 , Mike JonesBrilliant resistance from Carlos Alcaraz who saves three championship points then fizzes down an ace at deuce to move to advantage.
He then lands the most superb forehand down the line to hold his own serve!
That is incredible. Alcaraz is hanging in there. Sinner has a chance though, he’s serving to win this time.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 5-3 Carlos Alcaraz
18:14 , Mike JonesCan Sinner get it done in this game?
Alcaraz is under pressure and has to hold but lose the opening point with a poor shot into the net.
He then double faults to put Sinner two points away from winning the match which does nothing to improve his mood.
Alcaraz then pushes a forehand long and Sinner has three championship points here.
Alcaraz serves to Sinner’s backhand. He gets the return back and a rally develops. Sinner tries to hit the baseline and puts the ball long.
One point saved by Alcaraz.
And another. Sinner swipes at a return of serve with his backhand but again sends it too long. 30-40.
Alcaraz sends his serve to the backhand again, Sinner returns, a forehand flick comes back but Sinner hits the net!
Deuce.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 5-3 Carlos Alcaraz
18:10 , Mike JonesJannik Sinner must hold now to give himself a chance at winning this match. Carlos Alcaraz goes on the attack and does well. He forces a mistake out of his opponent and loses the first point.
Alcaraz gives the point back in the next rally with a backhand that lands too long past the baseline.
The Spaniard tries to win from the net but a powerful backhand from Sinner means his volley lands in the net.
Sinner leads 30-15.
A 127mph serve throws Alcaraz off balance and Sinner responds with a whipped forehand winner. One point away from a hold.
He gets it! Sinner will have a chance to serve for the match.
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 4-3 Carlos Alcaraz
18:05 , Mike JonesChance!
A huge opportunity for Jannik Sinner to do some realy damage in this match.
Carlos Alcaraz’s momentum abandons him at the worst time and the Spaniard makes too many errors to stop the Sinner surge.
The Italian wins all four points in the next game, without reply, and that’s a break of serve!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 3-3 Carlos Alcaraz
18:01 , Mike JonesAgain Sinner gets off to a perfect start in his own service game. He utilises volleys from the net perfectly and takes advantage of a couple of errors to lead 40-0.
A simple hold of serve puts Sinner back level.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 2-3 Carlos Alcaraz
17:57 , Mike JonesAlcaraz looks comfortable in the next game with his first serve landing in play more often than not.
Three quick points, and one against, take him to 40-15 but an untimely double fault from Alcaraz sends another point Sinner’s way.
Alcaraz doesn’t worry. He serves out to the backhand and Sinner can’t return.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 2-2 Carlos Alcaraz
17:53 , Mike JonesFour games into the fourth set and a clear pattern is emerging. Jannik Sinner is troubling Carlos Alcaraz’s serve and aiming for the break.
In response he’s flying through the first few points of his own serve, twice being up 40-0, before Alcaraz bites back.
The Spaniard managed to take a couple of points from Sinner’s serve with the Italian holding his serve by drilling a forehand down the line.
All square.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 1-2 Carlos Alcaraz
17:47 , Mike JonesOh my! That is a glorious shot from Sinner who whips a backhand down the line. He lands it just before the baseline and Alcaraz just nods at how good that was.
The point puts him 15-30 ahead but Alcaraz gets level again as Sinner drills a forehand into the net.
Sinner then sets up a break point as shadows sweep over the court. Alcaraz unloads on a backhand which lands on the baseline chalk and takes him to deuce.
He’s in a battle here.
But manages to get through it. Another fine hold.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz
17:43 , Mike JonesOh hello. Sinner flies through his first service game in the fourth set and gets back level.
This set could be decided by margins. I think it’ll be a long one and without too many breaks in serve.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 0-1 Carlos Alcaraz
17:39 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz now has the first serve in the fourth set, just as he had in the third.
The defending champion is forced deep behind the baseline as Sinner comes forward. He sets up an overhand volley and takes the first point of the set.
Alcaraz dials in and takes the next three points before sliding a backhand too wide to keep hopes of a break alive.
The Spaniard is forced on the defensive again as Sinner unloads on his forehands. Alcaraz floats a return too long and this goes to deuce.
Alcaraz refocuses and takes the next two points to hold serve.
THIRD SET! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-6 Carlos Alcaraz
17:32 , Mike JonesOh shocker from Sinner who forces Alcaraz deep and then messes up his backhand volley from the net. He clips the tape and allows the Spaniard to roll a passing winner wide of him.
Alcaraz moves 0-30 up then improves on that with a blistering drive down the line. That’s three set points for him now!
He only needs the one. Carlos Alcaraz breaks Jannik Sinner to love and takes this match into a fourth set.
Has the momentum swung his way?
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 4-5 Carlos Alcaraz
17:26 , Mike JonesAt the start of this crucial game, Alcaraz and Sinner trade points before the Spaniard forces a forehand too long!
Sinner leads 15-30 and there’s another layer of pressure that lands on him. He misses a serve out wide and Sinner goes after the second serve.
Alcaraz’s defence is strong and forces a return onto the baseline and in reply Sinner lifts his shot too long.
30-30.
The drop shot doesn’t work for Alcaraz as Sinner reaches it on the way up court, Alcaraz attempts the lob and sends it long.
A break point for the Italian is big. He secures it with a wonderful forehand that he whips to the far corner of the court.
Alcaraz is there but has to stretch and turns his forehand return into the net.
The third set is back on serve!
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 3-5 Carlos Alcaraz
17:21 , Mike JonesThis guy is superb. By this guy, I mean Jannik Sinner, who is stone faced and blazingly accurate.
Carlos Alcaraz barely has time to breathe and he’s 40-0 down in the next game before Sinner miscues a forehand over the back of court.
He then serves down the T line and gets the hold. Alcaraz will now serve to win the set. Is there a way back for Sinner yet?
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 2-5 Carlos Alcaraz
17:18 , Mike JonesA touch of pressure lands on the shoulders of Carlos Alcaraz as Jannik Sinner bludgeons his way to a couple of points.
Alcaraz keeps him ahead in the game though and serves out to Sinner’s backhand. The return comes over the net and Alcaraz whips it to the far side of court to hold serve!
A fist pump signals his delight, the determination in his eyes reveals his focus.
One game to go.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 2-4 Carlos Alcaraz
17:13 , Mike JonesSinner stops the rot with a perfectly timed hold of serve to 15 and gets moving again the third set.
He won this year’s Australian Open losing only two sets in the entire tournament. Alcaraz beat him in Rome a couple of weeks ago though.
Can the Spaniard gets closer to winning the third set by taking the next game?
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-4 Carlos Alcaraz
17:09 , Mike JonesCan Sinner respond?
There’s no doubt he’s dipped in form in this third set and Alcaraz is taking advantage of that.
The mistakes are flowing from Sinner with some regularity.
Yet, he isn’t a man easily beaten and fights his way to 40-30.
A backhand down the line tries to put him to deuce but he goes long, again, and Alcaraz completes the break.
Four games in a row and he’s near to getting a set back.
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-3 Carlos Alcaraz
17:05 , Mike JonesNo! An Alcaraz forehand lands too long to put Sinner at advantage.
Maybe yes! Trying to close out the game, Sinner is drawn forward from a drop shot and returns one of his own. Alcaraz meets it with a passing winner.
Back to deuce.
Sinner then pushes another forehand well out of play and Alcaraz has a break point.
He takes it! A lengthy rally waits for a moment to settle it and that moment is a forehand from Sinner which lands in the net.
Carlos Alcaraz wins three games in a row.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-2 Carlos Alcaraz
17:01 , Mike JonesA slight fist pump from Sinner shows his emotions as Alcaraz sends a backhanded return of serve too long.
That moves the Italian to 30-15 before he’s drawn into a nice rally. Some heavy forehands put Alcaraz on the defensive and Sinner works him to the left side of the court where a return is hooked into the net.
Alcaraz takes the next point and hangs in there but a skewed effort from Sinner makes it deuce!
Any pressure on the Italian?
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-2 Carlos Alcaraz
16:56 , Mike JonesThe crowd are on Carlos Alcaraz’s side. He’s trailing in this match and they want to see it go the distance now.
An ace brings him a point, and lots of cheers, but an underhit drop shot lands on the tape.
Sinner has seemingly dropped his level a touch and two long shots moves Alcaraz further ahead.
The Spaniard holds serve with another fine serve, this one out wide, and Alcaraz moves ahead in the set.
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-1 Carlos Alcaraz
16:53 , Mike JonesOh my! Try to pick a winner out of this match. Alcaraz digs deep and takes the two crucial points from deuce to break back immediately.
The third set is back on level terms.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-0 Carlos Alcaraz
16:51 , Mike JonesWith each error, Alcaraz seems to frown and dip in frustration. He drives a forehand into the net to give Sinner a point.
The Italian has been very consistent and that is to his credit. He’s been equally good throughout the tournament.
Alcaraz hangs into the game and latches onto a driving volley which puts him level at 30-30.
A long backhand from Alcaraz offers up the chance for Sinner to hold serve. He goes for it with a whipped forehand but the ball lands out of play.
Deuce.
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 1-0 Carlos Alcaraz
16:46 , Mike JonesCarlos Alcaraz has the first serve in the third set. He takes the first point with a nice inside out forehand but Jannik Sinner responds by meeting a sliced forehand with a passing winner.
The Spaniard is gesturing and chatting away with his coaches. He’s visibly frustrated at the outcome as Sinner takes another couple of points.
A wayward backhand from Alcaraz gifts a break to his opponent! Sinner has the advantage already in the third set.
Wow.
Jannik Sinner 6-4 7-6 0-0 Carlos Alcaraz
16:41 , Mike JonesTo win this tournament Carlos Alcaraz will need to do something he’s never done before and that is to come from two sets down to win.
Jannik Sinner has won the key moments and is two sets to the good.
There’s been very little to separate the two men but the scoreline doesn’t reflect that.
What does the third set have in store for us?
SECOND SET! Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-6 (7-4) Carlos Alcaraz
16:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Jannik Sinner strikes again! Harried and hustled by the speed of Sinner’s groundstrokes, Carlos Alcaraz can’t claw a forehand over.
The Spaniard has never come back from two sets down to win - if he wants to hold on to his French Open crown, he’ll have to.
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-6 (6-4) Carlos Alcaraz
16:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat a passing shot! Carlos Alcaraz somehow stays alive in the second set as he bursts a forehand by Jannik Sinner in good position at the net. Still work to be done, though - two more set points need to be saved...
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-6 (4-2) Carlos Alcaraz
16:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleCurled into the corner! What a forehand from Jannik Sinner, a vicious whip with Carlos Alcaraz only able to watch the ball, and a mini-break, fall.
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-6 (1-2) Carlos Alcaraz
16:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleJannik Sinner’s second serve has been a sight to behold today. He’s yet to have a double fault yet almost every one has challenged Carlos Alcaraz, particularly when the Spaniard has come up the court to try and dictate. It’s a key reason why he’s ahead in this match, though Alcaraz also makes a strong start to this second-set decider.
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-6 Carlos Alcaraz
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarlos Alcaraz answers with an ace of his own, called on court out but confirmed by the chair umpire as she clambers from her chair. We’re past the two-hour mark, now - a serious test of stamina already and there’s a while to go yet. To a tie break!
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-5 Carlos Alcaraz*
16:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe level is outstanding now. Carlos Alcaraz wins the first point of Jannik Sinner’s service game and takes the crowd with him as his surge continues, but the machine is back in full operation soon enough, surviving an extended exchange with a rather lovely lob volley before removing the frills and fuss, painting the line with an unstoppable ace.
Jannik Sinner* 6-4, 5-5 Carlos Alcaraz
16:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe confidence is coursing through the veins of Carlos Alcaraz now, the intensity up a notch after that most timely of breaks. He races to 40-0 before perhaps paying for that extra energy, a simple enough forehand pushed too far.
No matter. A smooth-as-silk forehand to take us to extra tennis in set two.
BREAK! Jannik Sinner 6-4, 5-4 Carlos Alcaraz*
16:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleTremendous tennis. Carlos Alcaraz gets to 0-30 and is feeling it, pumping up the crowd as he pulls at his strings. But Jannik Sinner has an answer, somehow finding an angle for a crosscourt forehand to force his opponent to play something even more ambitious, and Alcaraz fails to find it. Back to 30-30...but a break point, a short sharp backhand niftily played.
A first shot of the set at cracking Sinner’s serve, and one that the Spaniard may have to take. There you are! A champion moment from Alcaraz as he gets us back on serve.
Jannik Sinner* 6-4, 5-3 Carlos Alcaraz
16:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarlos Alcaraz just hasn’t managed to get his drop shot going as a weapon. He’s missed a fair few, yes, but even when they are landing, Jannik Sinner is such a smooth strider that he has almost invariably been able to get there in good time to play something meaningful in response.
The defending champion does manage to keep the wolves from the door for now.
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 5-2 Carlos Alcaraz*
16:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleCrikey - a really uncharacteristic blip from Jannik Sinner, cautious yet careless as he plops a tame volley wide. Carlos Alcaraz rather returns the favour, though, sending a return some distance long after fielding a loopy second serve. The Italian is within a game of a two-set lead.
Jannik Sinner* 6-4, 4-2 Carlos Alcaraz
16:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleA spot of luck for Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz’s racquet raised to volley what would surely be a winner only to be defeated by a flick of the net. Another point soon arrives: 30-all.
A double fault sets up deuce before Alcaraz manages to escape the game. They all feel like a battle for him at the moment, though - and perhaps recognising he needs a lift, the crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier up the volume.
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 4-1 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarlos Alcaraz just isn’t quite managing to shift Jannik Sinner off his spot often enough. The Italian is almost like a table football player as he slides along a rail by the baseline, effortlessly back and forth when required to step away from centre court. Onwards he marches towards the second set.
Jannik Sinner* 6-4, 3-1 Carlos Alcaraz
15:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleHurrah - Carlos Alcaraz is back amongst things. A much-needed hold for the Spaniard, stopping the rot with a backhand volley finish. Can he launch a fightback from here?
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 3-0 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was at this exact juncture, a set and a break up, that Jannik Sinner let Carlos Alcaraz back in last year, that semi-final eventually settled in five sets after Alcaraz squared affairs in the second. No such luck here as Sinner continues to show off his supreme consistency, each shot even on the move almost perfectly placed. A 23-shot rally has both men charging hither and thither but where Alcaraz is all limbs and large flourishes, Sinner moves as if pre-programmed on his way to another hold.
BREAK! Jannik Sinner* 6-4, 2-0 Carlos Alcaraz
15:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarlos Alcaraz stutters again, getting right underneath a forehand and framing it off into the galleries. Two break points for Jannik Sinner.
Four games in a row. Alcaraz needs to reset.
Jannik Sinner 6-4, 1-0 Carlos Alcaraz*
15:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleA few animated utterings in Spanish from Carlos Alcaraz as he somehow plants a forehand return five feet over the baseline having sat deep to wait for a second serve’s arrival. A couple of sizeable thumps from the racquet of the Italian keep him moving smoothly onwards.
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