The dream fades away in the fifth set Jannik Sinner to reach the final of Roland Garros, the second in a Grand Slam tournament. After more than four hours of battle the Italian had to give in to Carlos Alcaraz, four hours of spectacular shots from both which thrilled the Philippe Chatrier crowd. An early final was defined by someone who already sees the future of world tennis in the challenges of the two former “terrible boys”.
However, the women’s doubles pair formed by the revelation fared better Jasmine Paolini and the stainless Sara Errani: the two tennis players have reached a historic final for Italy and are looking forward to the Paris 2024 tournament.
ANSA Agency Roland Garros: Paolini-Errani in the doubles final – Tennis – Ansa.it Beat Kostyuk-Ruse in three sets (ANSA)The match between Sinner and Alcaraz was the most anticipated of the day: it was very balanced, albeit with constant reversals of the front, as demonstrated by the score of 6-2 3-6 6-3 4-6 3-6. Backhand passes, serves at over 200 kilometers per hour, net volleys, aces, the dreaded “muffled” shots and forehands of impressive precision and violence: the best repertoire of current tennis was seen on the court.
Jannik started very well: two breaks that took him to 4-0 but above all a continuity of play that seemed to leave no room for the opponent. The Spaniard had the strength to stay attached to the game and not give in to find continuity in the game. Sinner did not appear at the top from a physical point of view but was able to stay in the game even when the cramps in his hand heavily affected him between the second and third sets. The balance was total in the fourth set when at 4-4, Alcaraz was able to win his turn of serve and place the decisive break. Sinner seemed to be in more physical difficulty and gave up another break at the start of the fifth set. Well done not to give up and stay in the wake but the Spaniard seemed reborn and with a series of winning shots he managed to win the match.
More than a semi-final, due to the quality of the game and the skill of the two champions, the match appeared to be an anticipated final. The feeling is that the two tennis players, who hugged each other at the end of the match, will be protagonists of exciting duels for the next few years. Alcaraz himself said it at the end of the match: “The toughest matches of my career were always with Jannik: the quarterfinals at the US Open and this semi-final at Roland Garros – he said – I believe that we will have many in the coming years”.
“It was a good match, obviously sorry for how it ended. But this is part of the game”, said Sinner for his part. But – he then added – “now I look forward to improving. I try to give the best I can and let’s see what I can do in the future”. The number 1 in the world continues with his philosophy of play and life: “Looking at the positive side – he concluded – compared to last year, I have certainly improved”.
Jasmine Paolini has certainly improved too.
The 28-year-old Tuscan reached an unexpected milestone on the eve of Roland Garros: in addition to the women’s final, which in itself brightens up any tennis player’s sporting career, will also play to win the doubles title. With her Sara Errani: the two Italians beat the Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk and the Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse with a score of 1-6 6-4 6-1 and will challenge for the title the winner of the match between the Americans Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk and the doubles team formed by Coco Gauff and the Czech Katerina Siniakova. “It’s crazy to be here in the final”, said Paolini with Errani echoing her: “it was a very tough match but we managed to overturn it”. Italy is also looking with confidence to the men’s doubles with Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori who will compete for the title of champions.
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