Paris: Carlos Alcaraz rallied from two sets down and saved three championship points to defeat top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) on Sunday, successfully defending his French Open title.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 22-year-old Spaniard clinched victory in what became the longest-ever French Open final, spanning over five hours. Alcaraz's win places him in esteemed company, as he joins Rafael Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten as the only men since 2000 to achieve back-to-back men's singles titles at Roland Garros.

The match was historic as it was the first Grand Slam men's final featuring two players born after 2000. Despite losing the first two sets, Alcaraz mounted a comeback with a composed performance in the third set and saved three championship points in the fourth, ultimately forcing and winning the tiebreak 7-3.

Building on this momentum, Alcaraz broke early in the fifth set and secured the championship in the tiebreak 10-2. After the match, Alcaraz addressed his opponent, praising Sinner's level of play and predicting future success for the Italian at Roland Garros. He expressed gratitude for sharing the court with Sinner and acknowledged the inspiration he provides to aspiring players.

Sinner, who had control for much of the match, captured the opening set after a demanding 12-minute first game and narrowly won the second set in a tiebreak. He appeared poised for victory in the fourth set, leading 5-3 and serving for the championship, only to be thwarted by Alcaraz's resilient performance under pressure. This marks Sinner's first loss in a Grand Slam final.

In his post-match remarks, the 23-year-old Italian acknowledged his runner-up finish, expressing mixed emotions but remaining hopeful for future opportunities. Sinner, who recently returned to competition after a doping ban, humorously noted that playing was easier than speaking about the match.