Alcaraz vs. Sinner: An Epic Final Marking the Beginning of a New Era in Tennis
After five hours and 29 minutes of a match full of emotions and unexpected twists, Carlos Alcaraz was crowned champion in the Roland Garros final, defeating Jannik Sinner in a duel that will be etched in the memory of tennis fans. The Spaniard, after a winning forehand, fell to the ground, visibly moved.
Seconds later, he got up and ran to embrace Sinner, in a gesture of mutual admiration that reflected the respect between both players. Alcaraz achieved an epic comeback, saving three championship points in the fourth set, to finally prevail with partials of 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2). This final, the longest in the history of the Parisian tournament and the second longest in the Open era, marked a milestone in the sport.“I’ve been at this for 30 years, and this is one of the best matches of all time, easily,” commented a surprised John McEnroe at the end of the match.
John McEnroe
For two decades, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer dominated men’s tennis, accumulating 66 Grand Slam titles. However, in recent years, a generational shift has occurred. With Federer retired in 2022 and Nadal last season, and Djokovic nearing the end of his career, the question of who would be the successors to the “Big Three” arose.
Sinner and Alcaraz, aged 23 and 22 respectively, have emerged as the natural heirs. Sunday’s final was the first match of this caliber between the two, and Sinner’s first defeat in a Grand Slam final. Together, they have conquered the last six major titles, marking the beginning of the “Big Two” era.This rivalry promises to dominate tennis in the next decade, and possibly beyond.
“It’s a privilege to share the court with you. In every tournament, we make history together. I am very happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and in others,” Alcaraz told Sinner during the trophy presentation ceremony.
Carlos Alcaraz
The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner began with the Spaniard’s first professional match. In a Challenger tournament in Spain, at just 15 years old, Alcaraz faced Sinner, 17, in a match that went to three sets and almost two hours, with Alcaraz emerging victorious.
As their careers progressed, each encounter between the two became a must-see event. Sinner, with his strategic game and precise shots, and Alcaraz, with his versatility and charisma, formed an electrifying combination. Their first match on the ATP circuit was at the Paris Masters 2021, with a victory for Alcaraz. Subsequently, they faced each other at Wimbledon, with Sinner’s triumph, and at the Croatia Open, where Sinner took the victory.
However, their encounter in the quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open, on the Arthur Ashe court, was what solidified their rivalry. In a match that lasted more than five hours, Alcaraz prevailed with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-3, in the latest finish in the tournament’s history.
“A privilege to call a magnificent 5:15 marathon as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner pushed their limits and each other’s,” Chris Fowler posted on social media.
Chris Fowler
Following this victory, Alcaraz won the US Open and reached world number 1. Sinner, although with a more gradual rise, continued to progress. In 2023, Alcaraz won six titles, including Wimbledon, while Sinner obtained four, highlighting his first Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Masters. In their three encounters that season, Sinner won two.
“Every time we play, I feel like we both give our best,” Sinner commented before his last match of the season.
Jannik Sinner
In 2024, the dominance of both in the circuit was consolidated. Sinner won the Australian Open, while Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros and defended his title at Wimbledon. Sinner reached number 1 in the world in June. The 2025 season continued with Sinner defending his title at the Australian Open, and Alcaraz showing his dominance in clay court tournaments.
“Carlos is already a legend of this sport, even if he is younger than me,” said Lorenzo Musetti after losing against Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final in April.
Lorenzo Musetti
Alcaraz defeated Sinner in the final of the Rome Masters, in Sinner’s first tournament after his return. The expected Grand Slam final at Roland Garros materialized, marking the end of the “Big Three” era and the beginning of the “Big Two”.
Djokovic acknowledged the importance of this match, stating that this rivalry is what the sport needs. Amelie Mauresmo, director of the Roland Garros tournament, expressed her enthusiasm for the impact of this rivalry on tennis.
Alcaraz reached the final with an advantage in the head-to-head record and a better performance on clay. Sinner, without losing sets in the tournament, was not intimidated. The Italian won the first game of the match, but Alcaraz responded, forcing a fourth set after coming back. In the tiebreak of the fifth set, Alcaraz dominated, sealing the victory.
“I can’t think of a better Roland Garros final,” McEnroe said.
John McEnroe
Nadal, congratulating both players, called the match “incredible” and a “great battle.” Sinner, despite being the world number 1, is 2,030 points behind Alcaraz. Alcaraz has five Grand Slam titles and Sinner has three. The future of tennis promises more memorable finals, although both players remain humble.
Sinner, before the final, hesitated to affirm that his rivalry with Alcaraz is the best in history.
