Remembering Alcaraz and Sinner's Epic 2025 French Open Final: A Historic Comeback
Carlos Alcaraz missed this year's French Open due to injury, and Jannik Sinner was upset in the second round of this year's tournament. Many fans were disappointed to see how the two superstars fared in the year's second Grand Slam, especially after they each participated in an all-time classic just one year ago.
On June 8, 2025, Alcaraz faced Sinner in the men's final of the French Open. The match lasted for a grueling five hours and 29 minutes, requiring five sets and three tiebreakers to determine a champion.
Alcaraz would emerge victorious in the marathon match, earning his second Roland Garros triumph in as many years. Sinner earned a two-set lead early in the match, and Alcaraz was forced to claw back by winning three consecutive sets to take home the title.
It was the first such comeback in a French Open final since 2021, and only the sixth to take place in a French Open final since the Open Era began in 1968.
Alcaraz's Historic Victory Over Sinner
"It was amazing," Alcaraz said of the match and his eventual win over Sinner, speaking to TNT Sports.
"To put it into words is really difficult honestly. To come from two sets down against the world No. 1, the level that he was playing, it is unbelievable. It was the first time that I have come back from 2-0 down and honestly I just put my heart into it. I just tried to keep it going, not thinking about the result."
After the match, Alcaraz complimented his rival's skill and perseverance.
"Jannik, it is amazing the level that you have," he said on the court in his post-match interview.
"I know the hard work that you put in every day, it is huge. I know how hard you are chasing this tournament, every tournament, I am sure you're going to be champion. Not just once but many many times, it is a privilege to share the court with you."
Alcaraz's prediction would prove to be correct, as Sinner defeated him just weeks later to win the Wimbledon final - the first of his career. Sinner ended a two-year run for Alcaraz at Wimbledon and gave him the first loss of his career in a Grand Slam final.
Tennis Legends Praise Alcaraz, Sinner Efforts
"When you've got the two top two going head to head, it doesn't always live up to the hype, but that is one of the best, one of the greatest matches I've ever seen," said former player Tim Henman.
"Easily one of the greatest matches of all time. Anyone who doesn't think so is just living in their own nostalgia," said US Open winner Andy Roddick.
"It's just absurd the level that these two have taken this game to. Like the big three before them, like they're pushing the game to heights that I don't know that we've ever seen before."
Former World No. 1 and career Grand Slam winner Rod Laver said that "tennis is in great hands" after the epic final, and tennis pioneer Billie Jean King called the match "one of the greatest finals I have watched."
Alcaraz and Sinner would meet in the year's remaining major finals. Sinner achieved his first win in a major final against Alcaraz at Wimbledon, and Alcaraz would return the favor with a victory in the final of the US Open in August.
Sinner owns the most recent win in the rivalry after defeating Alcaraz at the Monte-Carlo Masters in August. As both players prepare for a summer of major tournaments, we'll see if they cross paths in another incredible final in 2026.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 12:03 PM.