Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz delivered one of the most compelling Grand Slam finals in recent memory at Roland Garros. The exceptional level of tennis displayed by both players has evoked comparisons to some of the most stirring finals in the sport’s history. After an intense battle lasting over five hours, both athletes vied fiercely for the coveted French Open title.
As soon as Alcaraz found himself trailing 0-2 in the opening set, he showcased remarkable resilience by clawing his way back in the following sets. This spirited comeback by the Spanish phenom ensured the match was pushed to an exhilarating final set. Remarkably, the epic encounter stretched beyond the five-hour mark, captivating audiences worldwide.
In a highly anticipated showdown on the clay courts of Paris, the top two players in the world rankings delivered a spectacular finale. Alcaraz and Sinner poured their hearts into every rally, defying both physical and mental fatigue. In the last set, with Sinner holding a crucial break point at 4-5, tensions soared as the match extended even further, embodying the high stakes of their intense rivalry.
What’s the longest final ever played in Roland Garros history?
The showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has set the record as the longest final ever played at Roland Garros with a total of 5 hours and 29 minutes. They have eclipsed the previous record held since 1982, when Guillermo Vilas and Mats Wilander contested for 4 hours and 42 minutes.
At that time, Mats Wilander was one of the standout players challenging top competitors from Argentina. At just 17 years old, he clinched the Roland Garros title in four sets, becoming the youngest player to ever lift the trophy in Paris.
Alcaraz clinches his second consecutive triumph at Roland Garros
In a thrilling and grueling showdown lasting over five hours, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious in the final set of the 2024 Roland Garros championship with scores of 6-4, 7-6, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6. The Spaniard showcased an exceptional performance, ultimately sealing the win with a 10-2 victory in the tiebreak. This victory cements Alcaraz’s status as one of the premier talents in tennis today.
Though this impressive win adds another prestigious title to Alcaraz’s collection, it does not alter the ATP rankings at the top: Jannik Sinner retains his position as the world No. 1. However, Alcaraz is tantalizingly close, needing just one Wimbledon victory to potentially ascend to the pinnacle of men’s tennis if current standings and performance dynamics persist.