PARIS, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Carlos Alcaraz rallied from two sets down and saved three championship points to beat top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) on Sunday and retain his French Open title.
In the longest-ever French Open final that lasted over five hours, the 22-year-old Spaniard became only the third man since 2000 to win back-to-back men's singles titles at Roland Garros after Rafael Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten.
The match marked the first Grand Slam men's final contested by two players born after 2000. After losing the first two sets, Alcaraz clawed back with a composed third set and then saved three championship points in the fourth - eventually forcing and winning the tiebreak 7-3. Riding the momentum, he broke early in the fifth and sealed the victory in the tiebreak 10-2.
Speaking afterwards, the defending champion told his close rival: "It's amazing the level you have. I'm pretty sure you're going to be champion here many, many times. It's a privilege to share the court with you. I'm just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments."
"You are a huge inspiration for kids, and for me as well. So thank you, and good luck for all that is coming in the future."
Sinner had appeared in full control for much of the match. The world No. 1 took the opening set after a grueling 12-minute first game and edged a tight second set in a tiebreak. In the fourth, he broke to lead 5-3 and served for the championship, only to be denied by Alcaraz's tenacious play under pressure.
This marks the first time that Sinner has lost a Grand Slam final.
"It's easier to play than talk now," said the 23-year-old Italian, who had controversially returned from a doping ban last month.
"I'm still happy with this [runners-up] trophy. I won't sleep very well tonight, but it's OK," he added. Enditem
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