Jannik Sinner’s journey to his first Roland Garros final came to an end on Friday when he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling semi-final, 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
In what was one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the year, both players initially struggled to find their rhythm. The match, tied at one set apiece, took a turn when Sinner began to experience hand cramps at 2-2 in the third set. Despite his discomfort, the Italian fought valiantly, frequently shaking out his hand between points. He managed to save four break points to hold serve before receiving treatment at 3-2.
Sinner came back strong, breaking Alcaraz immediately upon resumption and maintaining his serve to take the lead. In the fourth set, both players displayed remarkable skill, striking the ball with precision and power. The evenly matched contest saw Alcaraz elevate his game at the crucial moment, winning the set and forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, the 21-year-old Spaniard showcased his brilliance, breaking Sinner’s serve early with a powerful forehand winner. Alcaraz maintained his momentum, ultimately securing victory on his third match point after four hours and ten minutes of intense play. He celebrated his win with 65 winners compared to Sinner’s 39.
Sinner was philosophical in defeat.
“I think it was a great match. For sure the sets he won he played better in the important points, no? I think that was the key,” Sinner said. “Obviously disappointed how it ended, but, you know, it’s part of my growing and the process. Thinking back, before the tournament reaching this point, I’m obviously very happy. In the other way, I’m disappointed about the match today.”
Alcaraz praises Sinner
“You have to find the joy in suffering,” Alcaraz said after his hard-fought win against Sinner, who actually won two more points than the Spaniard in the match (147-145). “That is the key, especially here on clay at Roland Garros. Long rallies, four-hour matches, five sets. You have to fight, you have to suffer, but as I told my team, you have to enjoy suffering.”
Sinner, competing in his first semi-final at the clay-court major, aimed for his second major final. The 22-year-old, who won the Australian Open in January, will rise to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time on Monday, leaving Paris with a 33-3 record for the season.
“The toughest matches that I have played in my short career have been against Jannik,” Alcaraz remarked. “The US Open in 2022, this one. Jannik is a great player. The team he has as well and the great work he puts in every day – I hope to play many more matches like this against him. One of the toughest matches that I have played, for sure.”
