Carlos Alcaraz believes it’s ‘destiny’ that he won his fifth Grand Slam at the exact same age as Rafael Nadal did.
Alcaraz miraculously came from behind to beat Jannik Sinner 4-6 6-7 [4-7] 6-4 7-6 [7-3] 7-6 [10-2] in the French Open final on Sunday.
An outstanding display of world-class tennis from both players is set to go down as one of the greatest finals in the history of the sport.
Alcaraz even saved three championship points in the gruelling clash at Roland Garros that lasted five hours and 29 minutes.
The Spaniard won his fifth major title aged 22 years, one month and three days to eerily equal one of the greatest players of all-time.
Nadal won Grand Slam no. 5 at Wimbledon in 2008, also at the age of 22 years, one month and three days.
When the coincidence was mentioned to him during his post-match press conference, Alcaraz revealed that he will cherish it forever.
“Well, I mean, I have to realise that I’ve done it. That’s the first step,” he said.
“Honestly, the coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Rafael Nadal is… I’m gonna say that’s destiny, I guess?
“It’s a stat that I’m going to keep with me forever, winning the fifth Grand Slam at the same time as Rafa, my idol, my inspiration.
“It’s a huge honour, honestly, but hopefully it’s not going to stop like this.”
Alcaraz had never won a best-of-five match after losing the first two sets in his previous eight attempts until Sunday.
Alcaraz has won the fifth Grand Slam of his careerGetty He has done so at the exact same age as his compatriot NadalGetty Nadal won the fifth of his 22 major titles at WimbledonAFPAustralian Open champion and world no. 1 Sinner appeared to be cruising towards a straight sets win on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
But he failed to capitalise on his three championship points and allowed Alcaraz to launch an almighty comeback for the ages.
The 22-year-old has won a men’s singles Grand Slam title for a fourth year in a row.
Only Roger Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic have done the same in the 21st century.
Following their French Open final clash, there is a sense that Alcaraz vs Sinner could be the next big rivalry in tennis.
It was the longest ever men’s singles final in history at Roland Garros, and may never be topped.
Alcaraz has already achieved so much at the age of 22Alcaraz has now won two French Open titles, adding to two triumphs at Wimbledon and single honour at the US Open.
He will have the opportunity to complete a career Grand Slam at the start of 2026 by winning his first Australian Open.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Rafael Nadal - First five Grand Slam titles
Carlos Alcaraz:
2022 US Open 2023 Wimbledon 2024 French Open 2024 Wimbledon 2025 French OpenRafael Nadal:
2005 French Open 2006 French Open 2007 French Open 2008 French Open 2008 Wimbledon Read More Details
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