Jannik Sinner stood a point away from lifting his first Roland Garros crown and his third consecutive Major!
However, world no. 1 failed to bring the match home against Carlos Alcaraz, experiencing the most brutal defeat of his career.
Carlos denied three match points in a remarkable 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 victory in five and a half hours of an incredible battle, described by many as one of the most excellent matches of all time.
Sinner left everything on Court Philippe-Chatrier. While his massive defeat stole the spotlight, it should not eclipse the real story: just how fair he has went on clay!
A year ago, Jannik led two sets to one against Carlos in the semi-final before ending on the losing side. Twelve months later, the Italian went even further, reaching the final without losing a set and standing so close to the finish line.
The former player Nicolas Escude reflected on Sinner’s stunning level throughout the tournament. Escude highlighted that the 23-year-old impressed not only the fans and pundits but likely himself as well.
Jannik’s level on clay has risen significantly and made him a contender for the Parisian trophy due to his court coverage, point construction and resilience.
His growth on the slowest surface signals a significant shift and marks an evolution of his game in all directions. The final may have hurt, but it also confirmed Sinner as a genuine threat everywhere.
The Italian will try to break another ground in a couple of weeks and reach his first Wimbledon final. He currently plays in Halle, passing the first obstacle and hoping for more good matches ahead of the third Major of the season.
“You have to examine the gap that Jannik has bridged on clay.
He may have suffered a monumental blow in the final. Still, he surprised himself enormously with the quality of tennis he is capable of producing on the slowest surface,” Nicolas Escude said.
