Jannik Sinner threw away a two-set lead and three Championship points as he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in an incredible French Open final.
Alcaraz’s reign at Roland Garros looked to be over when world number one Sinner closed in on victory in the fourth set.
Sinner edged in front in the first set and then doubled his lead through a tie-break in the second.
Alcaraz got a set back but appeared down and out when Sinner opened up three Championship points deep into the fourth set.
Reigning champions Alcaraz saved all three, however, before breaking the Sinner serve to level an absurdly high-quality final at 2-2.
Another tie-break was needed to separate the two best players on the planet but Alcaraz powered to the winning line, winning 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes – the longest French Open final in history.
Addressing Court Philippe Chatrier after the heartbreaking defeat, Sinner said: ‘First of all Carlos, congrats again.
‘Amazing performance, amazing battle, amazing everything. Congrats to you and your team, I’m very happy for you, you deserve it so congrats.
‘To my team, obviously thank you for putting me in this position. We tried our best today, we gave everything we had.
‘Some time ago we would have been delighted to be here so it’s still an amazing tournament even though it feels very difficult now.
‘I won’t sleep very well tonight but it’s okay. Thank you and I’ll see you next year.’
Alcaraz, 22, now has five Grand Slam titles to his name, while Sinner, 23, will have to wait a little longer for his fourth major.
The pair have now shared the last six Grand Slams as they threaten to create one of the all-time great rivalries over the next decade.
‘The greatest Grand Slam final I’ve ever seen’
Reacting to Alcaraz’s incredible comeback win, former British number one Greg Rusedski said on BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘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.’
Ex-British tennis star Naomi Broady added: ‘I just feel so lucky that I got to be here to witness this final. It feels like this is absolutely going to be a historic moment of our sport.
‘There are so many professional athletes in the stands today that are just in awe of these two guys. The physicality and the mentality just encompasses everything tennis is about.
‘I don’t think there has ever been a better showcase for our sport.’
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