Carlos Alcaraz Beats Jannik Sinner To Defend French Open Title

 

Carlos Alcaraz wins the French Open for the second season in a row

Carlos Alcaraz fought back from two sets down to defeat the top-seeded player, Jannik Sinner, and defended the French Open title for the second consecutive season. 

The two-time champion won the final in a thrilling five sets, 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2). He won his first Roland Garros title last season against Alexander Zverev. He became the youngest player to lift major trophies from all three surfaces upon winning his maiden title on Court Philippe-Chatrier. 

Jannik was coasting to a decisive four-set victory after winning two previous sets, but Alcaraz denied him a championship point at 4/5 30/40 and rallied to win the fourth set. Alcaraz was a little athletic in the fifth, while Jannik's frustration was obvious. 

The Italian summoned momentum, winning a break point at 5/4 15/40 to deny Alcaraz championship points and forcing the set into a tiebreak. It was a showdown of groundstrokes between the players, who are known for strong forehand shots and winning net points. Eventually, Alcaraz gained control and held off a break advantage at 5/6 to force a tiebreak and won the final.  

Having to lose the final made the second time in a row meant that Jannik would be defeated by his Spaniard rival. He lost to him in the final of the Italian Open. It was Jannik's second final appearance and back-to-back defeat since he won the Australian Open in January. He returned to action in Rome after he was banned for three months for a failed test. 

Alcaraz won his previous title in Rome for his second Masters 1000 title of the season. Besides his defeat to Holger Rune in Barcelona, Alcaraz, 22, won in every final appearance he made this season. Winning the French Open will be his fifth Grand Slam title, making him the youngest player to reach the milestone in tennis.