Carlos Alcaraz called it “destiny” after clinching his fifth Grand Slam title at the same age as his idol Rafael Nadal — 22 years, one month, and three days.
Alcaraz pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) in a marathon five-hour, 29-minute French Open final on Sunday — the longest men’s singles final in Roland Garros history.
The young Spaniard saved three championship points in a thrilling contest that is already being hailed as one of the sport’s greatest finals.
When told he had matched Nadal’s record of five majors at the same age, Alcaraz said: “That’s destiny, I guess? It’s a stat I’m going to keep with me forever. Winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same time as Rafa, my idol, my inspiration. It’s a huge honor.”
Alcaraz also made personal history, winning a best-of-five match for the first time after losing the opening two sets. He has now won a Grand Slam title in four consecutive years — a feat only Roger Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have achieved in this century.