“You deserve it”: Jannik Sinner lauds Carlos Alcaraz after agonizing Roland Garros final

Jannik Sinner had to overcome frustration after a tough defeat in the Roland Garros final against Carlos Alcaraz. The world No. 1 squandered three match points in the fourth set, allowing 'Carlitos' to mount a remarkable comeback and defend the title he won in 2024.

It became the longest final in French Open history, lasting 5 hours and 29 minutes, with the Spaniard securing his 5th Grand Slam title with a score of 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6[10-2].

During the awards ceremony, Sinner offered classy words to his colleague Alcaraz, despite having been defeated by him just minutes earlier. “First of all, Carlos, congrats again. An amazing performance, an amazing battle, an amazing everything. To you and your team, an amazing job. I am very happy for you, and you deserve it, so congrats.”

Alcaraz extended his head-to-head lead to 8-4, notably having won their last five encounters – three of them in finals. Sinner had the chance to equal Alcaraz in major titles, but ultimately 'Carlitos' extended his tally to 5, while Sinner remained at 3.

Sinner appeared affected when speaking and in the minutes leading up to receiving his runner-up trophy. Nevertheless, he also wanted to thank his team for another great campaign. “It’s easier to play than to talk now. But my team, thank you so much for putting me in this position,” he said. “We tried our best today, we gave everything we had, some time ago we would have signed to be here, so still an amazing tournament even though it’s very, very difficult for now, but it’s okay.”

It's worth remembering that the world No. 1 returned to the courts only a month ago – after three months of suspension – and holds an 11-2 record, with both defeats coming against Alcaraz in the finals of the Rome Open and the French Open.