The 2025 French Open final delivered a spectacle that will echo through tennis history, as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner clashed in an epic five-set battle that pushed the boundaries of the sport. The match, which saw Alcaraz prevail 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes—the longest Roland Garros final ever—drew widespread acclaim, including from tennis legend Rennae Stubbs. The former world No. 1 in doubles and ex-coach of Serena Williams took to social media to pay tribute to both players, celebrating their extraordinary talent and contrasting personalities. “I feel SO BADLY for Jannik & yet i am so unbelievably impressed with Carlos,” Stubbs wrote. “These two are next level…. Two GREAT guys! Carlos is more outward and charming and people gravitate to his absolute joy and Jannik is kind and quiet and lovely. WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE THEM IN OUR SPORT.”
This final, the first Grand Slam championship match between Alcaraz and Sinner, marked a pivotal moment in their burgeoning rivalry, one that has already captivated the tennis world. Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard, defended his 2024 Roland Garros title, saving three match points when trailing 3-5 in the fourth set and rallying from two sets down for the first time in his career. His victory, sealed with a forehand passing shot in a super-tiebreak, showcased his flair, resilience, and ability to thrive under pressure. Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian, stood on the brink of victory, serving for the match in the fourth set, only to see Alcaraz’s relentless spirit turn the tide. “I’m feel sick for Jannik… this is going to be hard to swallow,” Stubbs reflected, acknowledging Sinner’s heartbreak while praising Alcaraz’s “flawless and courageous” play when it mattered most.
Stubbs’ tribute highlights the distinct qualities that make Alcaraz and Sinner the sport’s brightest stars. Alcaraz, with his infectious energy and expressive style, channels the clay-court mastery of his idol, Rafael Nadal, whose 14 Roland Garros titles cast a long shadow. His 83.8% win rate on clay places him among the all-time greats, and his five Grand Slam titles at 22 match Nadal’s pace. “Carlos is more outward and charming and people gravitate to his absolute joy,” Stubbs noted, capturing his ability to electrify crowds with running forehands, reflex volleys, and a contagious smile. Sinner, by contrast, exudes quiet intensity, his steady baseline game and booming serve evoking comparisons to Novak Djokovic. “Jannik is kind and quiet and lovely,” Stubbs said, praising his sportsmanship despite the sting of defeat.
Their rivalry, now at 12 meetings with Alcaraz leading 8-4, has produced some of the most thrilling matches in recent memory. The 2025 French Open final, likened to the 2008 Nadal-Federer Wimbledon classic, saw both players split the last six majors evenly, each claiming three. Sinner’s 2024 Australian Open and US Open triumphs, coupled with his ascent to world No. 1, underscore his dominance, while Alcaraz’s 2023 Wimbledon and back-to-back Roland Garros crowns cement his versatility. “The level you have is amazing,” Alcaraz told Sinner post-match, a sentiment echoed by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who called their rivalry “something amazing for the sport” after the Big 3 era.
Stubbs, a vocal admirer of both, has long championed their potential. In 2023, she declared, “It’s an absolute JOY to watch @janniksin and @carlosalcaraz play tennis,” predicting a bright future for men’s tennis. Her analysis of their 2025 final praised Alcaraz’s tactical adjustments, noting that Sinner’s serve faltered “right when he needed it,” allowing Alcaraz to “raise his level and use the crowd spectacularly.” The match’s drama—20+ ball rallies, 76 mph forehand averages from Alcaraz, and Sinner’s 81 mph—left commentators like John McEnroe calling it “one of the all-timers.”
Beyond the court, Alcaraz and Sinner’s mutual respect elevates their rivalry. Alcaraz’s Netflix documentary and charity work contrast with Sinner’s low-key demeanor, yet both share a commitment to pushing tennis forward. “It is a privilege to share a court with you,” Alcaraz said, while Sinner’s graciousness in defeat won hearts. As they prepare for Wimbledon, where Alcaraz is the defending champion, Stubbs’ words ring true: tennis is lucky to have these two, whose rivalry promises to define an era.
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