Tennis icons were quick to hail champion Carlos Alcaraz and runner-up Jannik Sinner after their historic French Open final.
The 22-year-old Spaniard fought back from two sets down to win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-2), saving three championship points in the fourth set.
The epic contest lastet five hours and 29 minutes, making it the longest final ever at Roland Garros.
The Italian will have to wait for a first French Open title while Alcaraz defended the trophy in Paris to win his second and take his Grand Slam tally to five.
Unsurprisingly his legendary compatriot and the former King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, was quick to congratulate the winner but also hail the brilliant runner-up.
Nadal posted on X: ‘What an incredible @rolandgarros final! 🔥. Congratulations @carlosalcaraz! 🏆💪🏼. Congrats also @janniksin for the great battle 👏🏻.’
Three-time French Open champ Mats Wilander said on TNT Sports: ‘Absolutely incredible. The expectations are really high when these guys face off because they’ve played some incredible matches
‘Every match they play is so brutally physical, it’s emotional, the tennis they’re playing is unbelievable.
‘The fact they can keep going for 5-and-a-half hours on a clay court at this level, because the level at the end was absolutely ridiculous. I cannot believe how lucky we are that we’re going to have this rivalry.
‘These guys have taken our sport to another level. I never thought I would say that after the big three of Rafa, Roger and Novak, it’s hard to believe they can do this.’
Greg Rusedski declared the match the greatest Grand Slam final he has ever witnessed, saying on BBC Radio 5: ‘We said it was going to be a classic – and it really was.
‘It is the greatest Grand Slam final I’ve ever seen.
‘The emotion from Carlos Alcaraz is just unbelievable. He is down there hugging his mum, his dad and his brother.
‘Let’s spare a thought for Jannik Sinner though. This must be immensely painful, having had those three championship points. He is handling the situation very well but this must be a bitter disappointment for him.’
Former US Open champion Marin Cilic praised the immense standard on show, posting on social media: ‘One of the best 5th sets ever alongside Federer vs Nadal ’08 Wimbledon + Djok vs Nadal AO 2012? Unbelievable level.’
Speaking on court after his immense triumph, Alcaraz said: ‘I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have, congratulations for an amazing tournament to you and your team.
‘I know the hard work you put in. I know how hard you are chasing every tournament. I am sure you will be champion many, many times and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you.
‘I’m just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments, you are a huge inspiration for everyone and myself. Good luck and all the best for what is coming.’