Destined Victory: Alcaraz Matches Nadal's Legacy at French Open

Carlos Alcaraz heralded it as destiny when he claimed his fifth Grand Slam title after a dramatic comeback at the French Open on Sunday. This victory aligns him with his childhood idol, Rafael Nadal, matching his five Grand Slam tally at the same age.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, considered Nadal's successor on clay, overcame a challenging two-set deficit for the first time in his career to triumph over world number one Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz credited the enthusiastic Parisian crowd for propelling him to a 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) win in the longest French Open final on record.

With his victory, Alcaraz not only establishes himself among tennis elites but also sparks speculation about an emerging new era of rivalries. While acknowledging Sinner's potential, Alcaraz reflects on the importance of continuous learning from their encounters to maintain his competitive edge.

(With inputs from agencies.)