'Exactly the same level' - Boris Becker compares Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner French Open final to Nadal, Federer and Djokovic classics
By Jonny Bray
Published 09/06/2025 at 07:59 GMT+1
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Several TNT Sports tennis experts were left stunned by the thrilling French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Spaniard battled back from two sets down to win the thrilling clash 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(2) and retain his title. After the match, Boris Becker compared the final to the classic encounters contested between tennis' fabled 'Big Three'.
Highlights: Alcaraz overpowers Sinner in classic Roland-Garros final
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports expert Boris Becker believes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's thrilling French Open final was of the same standard as the classic encounters between the sport's fabled 'Big Three'.
Alcaraz battled back from two sets down to win one of the best Grand Slam finals in living memory 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(2) and retain his title in Paris.
The match echoed some of the iconic encounters between Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, who went head-to-head on 33 occasions over the last two decades.
Becker believes Alcaraz and Sinner are at the same level as their legendary predecessors after putting on a show at Roland-Garros.
"It's brutal for Sinner," he said. "Losing a final with match points, served for the match. There's nothing worse, but he can be proud of his performance.
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"He behaved like a champion, fought and played his best clay court match to date. That will happen again, maybe Jannik will be the luckier one next time.
"It was the same with Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. What epic duels they've had over 15 years, and that's exactly the level I see Carlos and Jannik at.
"The match was unbelievable, I feel for both players. These are the matches you train for and why you love this sport."
The victory means Alcaraz now has five Grand Slams to his name. It also extends the Spaniard's unbeaten run against his Italian rival to five matches.
Becker's fellow TNT Sports expert Alex Corretja thanked the duo for one of the best tennis matches he'd ever seen live and called Alcaraz's win a miracle.
"Thank you to both of them," he said. "It was a little bit of a miracle for Carlos to end up winning as Jannik had it and was playing perfect tennis.
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Alcaraz 'probably a better player than Nadal was at 22 on the other surfaces' - Wilander
Video credit: TNT Sports
"But this was by far the best match I’ve ever witnessed live. The level of tennis was something unreal.
"It’s a great lesson for the kids at home, the way they were behaving and the attitude, no excuses for five-and-a-half hours.
"Finding solutions, hitting the ball perfectly, I can’t thank them enough.
"It’s not just that it was long, it’s the way they played and were moving.
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'Happy to make history with you' - Alcaraz 'privileged' to compete with 'amazing' Sinner
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"The way they were searching for different tactics and wanted to win badly but with huge respect.
"They gave 100%. It’s a bit of a shame, for the first time in my life that I would’ve loved to see a draw."
McEnroe says Alcaraz would beat Nadal in his prime
John McEnroe said that Alcaraz would beat Nadal in his prime ahead of the French Open final.
Alcaraz has been compared to the 14-time French Open winner for most of his career and formed an unlikely doubles partnership with his compatriot at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
However, McEnroe does not believe that the 22-year-old will go on to win as many Grand Slams as the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Nadal.
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'Amazing battle, you deserve it' - Sinner pays tribute to Roland-Garros winner Alcaraz
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"You would make a serious argument with both guys that they would be favoured to beat Nadal, at his best," he said.
"Do I think they're gonna reach 20, 24 (titles) either one of them? No, because that plateau is so hard.
"But these two guys right now, it's like when you watch the NBA and you say nobody could be better than Michael Jordan.
"The tennis level right now is higher than I've ever seen."
Andre Agassi also compared Alcaraz to some of the greats of the game, adding that the five-time Grand Slam winner may actually have even more qualities than Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
"Alcaraz's best surface to me, shockingly, would be between here and Wimbledon," he added.
"I’d actually say grass might be his best surface, and the reason why I'd say grass is his best surface has nothing to do with his swings.
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The top shots from an extraordinary Roland-Garros final
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It has to do with the less diminishing speed that happens to him other players. And his strength of legs, his balance of getting under ball.
"I mean, you gotta remember this guy has defence and speed like Novak, if not more. He has feel like Federer, you could argue if not more at times. He has RPMs in pace like Rafa. You could argue maybe even more."
The third Grand Slam of the tennis year, Wimbledon, begins on June 30.
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