Move over, the “Big Three”.

The narrative of this French Open final – the longest ever played – could fill an entire book. Both players found a second and even a third wind while competing at the peak of their powers.

Carlos Alcaraz completed one of the most mind-boggling comebacks in tennis history, recovering from a two-set deficit against Jannik Sinner and saving three match points on his way to a 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 victory in five hours and 29 minutes.

When the pressure reached its maximum, so did Alcaraz. The most gifted player of his generation, the 22-year-old stepped up to a level that no man alive could have matched, swinging with freedom and ferocity as he swept to a 7-0 lead in the concluding tie-break.

Many fans were confused at this moment, not being familiar with the recent law change which requires the players to reach 10 in a deciding-set tie-break. But they were delighted too, because nobody wanted the drama to be over.

In the end, Alcaraz took the super tie-break by a 10-2 margin with his 70th winner of an unbelievable afternoon, lacing a perfect forehand passing shot up the line while at a dead run.

It is normal for players to fall on their back in this situation, but Alcaraz was moving so fast that he slumped onto his........

© The Age