Alcaraz clinches 5th Grand Slam at same age as idol Nadal

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.