Carlos Alcaraz’s touching message to heartbroken Jannik Sinner after French Open final | Tennis | Sport
Carlos Alcaraz reacted in emotional fashion to beating Jannik Sinner in the final of the French Open, dubbing the Italian a “huge inspiration”. Alcaraz edged an epic battle between the pair in the French capital, triumphing 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-7 (3-7), 6-7 (2-10) during what has already been labelled the ‘greatest Grand Slam final of all time’.
Sinner had spurned three championship points during the fourth, with Alcaraz rallying to win the set and force a decider. But even though it looked like the momentum had swung in Alcaraz’s favour, the match went all the way to a championship decider, which the reigning champion eventually won 10-2.
Speaking on court after the triumph, he said: “I want to start with Jannik, it is amazing the level you have. Congratulations for an amazing tournament, to you, your team. I know the hard work you put in every day, it is huge. I know how hard you are chasing this tournament, you’re going to be champion not once, but many times.
“It’s a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament, making history with you. I’m just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament and other tournaments. You are a huge inspiration for the young kids, for everyone, for myself as well, I have to say thank you for being such a great inspiration.”
He continued: “I just want to say thank you for everything, my team and my family, I have the privilege to be able to live through great things with you. I was lucky to have a lot of people who came from Murcia from home to support me, I have a lot of friends here. Amazing support you’ve done for me today, during the whole two weeks. The people at home who weren’t able to come, thank you very much, this trophy is for you as well.
“And then everyone who makes this event possible, I always say this tournament is really special. I can’t wait to come here year after year… a special thank you to Amelie [Mauresmo, the French Open director] as well. It’s not easy to be with us.”
Finnally, the recently-crowned French Open champion concluded with: “Paris, guys, you have been a really important support since the first round. You were unbelievable, you were insane. I can’t thank you enough for the great support, for today’s match you were really important. You are in my heart, you will always be in my heart. Thank you very much Paris and see you next year.”
When he returns to Roland-Garros next year, Alcaraz will be aiming to become the first player since countryman Rafael Nadal in 2020 to win three consecutive titles. Before that though, it’s all eyes on the grass court season and Wimbledon, with Alcaraz set to go into next month’s championship eyeing up a remarkable fifth Grand Slam title.
