As he faced up to the excruciating reality of trailing three championship points against the best player in the world, Carlos Alcaraz started his service preparation from the Court Philippe-Chatrier baseline with a deep, long breath. For most other players in the history of tennis, there was no reason to believe in any outcome other than defeat.
In his short time competing in the biggest matches of his sport, however, Alcaraz has made it clear that he is different to anyone who has come before him, both in the way he approaches his tennis and the unwavering belief that underpins his success. Alcaraz recovered and pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport, in an otherworldly confrontation, spectacularly toppling the world No 1, Jannik Sinner, 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes to defend his French Open title in Paris.
