Alcaraz Defeats Sinner, Advancing to Face Either Zverev or Ruud in the French Open Final

Carlos Alcaraz outlasted Jannik Sinner in an engrossing five-set battle on Friday to reach his first French Open final, where he will face either Alexander Zverev or Casper Ruud. The two-time Grand Slam champion trailed 2-1 in sets to incoming world number one Sinner, but rallied in the Paris sunshine to win 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 after four hours and nine minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. It was another gripping chapter in the pair’s burgeoning rivalry, with Alcaraz now leading their head-to-head 5-4. 

 

“I hope to play many, many more matches like this one against Jannik but it’s one of the toughest I’ve played for sure,” said Alcaraz. “I’m really happy about everything I did today. I waited for my moment until I took it.” The 21-year-old will be the favourite heading into Sunday’s final as he aims to become the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on clay, grass, and hard courts. He has won both of his two previous major finals — at Wimbledon last year and the 2022 US Open.