Daijiworld Media Network - Paris

Paris, Jun 9: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner said he will try to ‘delete’ the memory of his crushing defeat in the French Open final on Sunday, where he squandered three championship points and lost in what is being hailed as one of the greatest matches in Roland Garros history.

The 22-year-old Italian, chasing his third consecutive Grand Slam title, had Carlos Alcaraz on the ropes, leading by two sets and holding triple match point in the fourth set. But the Spaniard staged a stunning comeback, eventually winning 4-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (10/2) in the longest final the tournament has ever seen.

“Obviously this one hurts. There’s not much to talk about right now,” said a dejected Sinner post-match. “It was a very, very high-level match. It was long. And yeah, it happens.”

Sinner, who triumphed at the US Open in 2023 and defended his Australian Open title earlier this year, found himself on the wrong end of a Grand Slam comeback for the first time. “I was, of course, disappointed about the fourth set and match points… but I stayed there mentally. I didn’t give him any free points,” he added.

Despite the heartbreak, Sinner acknowledged the quality of tennis and the electric atmosphere at Court Philippe-Chatrier. “It’s good to see that we can produce tennis like this. It’s good for the sport and the fans,” he said. “To be part of it is very special.”

The Italian also shared a glimpse into his grounded personal life, revealing his father was not even at the match. “My dad wasn’t even here—he was working today. Nothing changes in our family because of success. We are simple people.”

With Wimbledon just weeks away, Sinner is already looking ahead. “Yes, it hurts. But you cannot keep crying. It happens,” he said, vowing to come back stronger.