Carlos Alcaraz thought about Rafael Nadal before completing wild French Open comeback
Carlos Alcaraz retained his French Open title with a quite remarkable victory over Jannik Sinner in a match that will live long in the memory for those who witnessed it
Carlos Alcaraz has triumphantly disclosed Rafael Nadal's influence in inspiring him to execute a stunning comeback from two sets down, ultimately allowing him to defend his French Open crown. The prodigious Spaniard pulled off what is being hailed as the most thrilling reversal, snatching victory when all seemed lost against Jannik Sinner.
Sinner faltered at championship point thrice in the fourth set, which shifted the momentum favoring Alcaraz, who eventually clinched a legendary 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 win after a grueling five-hour and 29-minute battle, setting the record for the second-longest grand slam final in the Open era.
In an emotional address after hoisting the trophy, Alcaraz told France TV Sport about reaching deep for the famous resilience Nadal famously displayed at his zenith.
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"When I was feeling worse, I had no more strength, I tried to think about Rafa, about all the comebacks he made."
Alcaraz also shared with Eurosport how the sagacious counsel from his grandfather steered him during the relentless match.
"I played with my grandfather's three Cs," he shared, delineating cabeza (head), corazon (heart), and cojones (balls). "My grandfather is proud. Cojones! After the match I played, I think I can say that."
The young Spaniard confessed, "To put into words what just happened is really difficult, honestly. Two sets down against the No 1, with the level that he was playing.
"I just put my heart into it and tried to keep it going. Never gave up. I was just fighting, point after point. In the end, it was all heart."
Sinner couldn't hide his dismay over missed opportunities that cost him the match, yet graciously heaped praise on Alcaraz with his congratulatory words. "An amazing performance, amazing battle, amazing everything for you and your team," the Italian expressed. "Amazing job. I'm very happy for you and you deserve it.
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"It's easier to play than talking now. My team, thank you so much for putting myself in this position. We tried our best today, we gave everything we had.
"Some time ago, we would have loved to be here. Still an amazing tournament even though it's very, very difficult now, but it's okay. Thanks so much to all the ball kids, you do an amazing job and make life so much easier on court.
"It's a big privilege for us players to be here. For me, it's a very special place and many great things I have achieved, even though I'm still happy with this one. I won't sleep tonight very well, but it's okay."
