John McEnroe is certain over what will happen to Jannik Sinner after his heartbreaking defeat to Carlos Alcaraz

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Jannik Sinner has tasted Grand Slam heartbreak for the first time in his career after losing the French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz has received congratulations from Rafael Nadal after he won the French Open for a second time, and the second successive year.

Nadal won a record 14 titles at Roland Garros, with ATP number one Sinner yet to win the clay court Grand Slam.

His three Grand Slam titles have arrived on hard courts, while world number two Alcaraz has won on hard, grass and clay courts.

But he was made to work extremely hard for his latest major success, with Sinner having had three championship points in their epic encounter.

John McEnroe certain about Jannik Sinner after French Open final loss

The Italian failed to convert all three as he lost 4-6, 6-7(4-7), 6-4, 7-6(7-3), 7-6 to the Spaniard at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe has now shared his verdict on the runner-up, saying on TNT Sports: “I can relate to Jannik in a couple of ways.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz names the Grand Slam final which he believes was even better than his match against Jannik Sinner

“I was part of I think what was considered an epic match in 1980 where I came up short against Bjorn Borg.

“I lost that in five sets in the Wimbledon final. I lost that but it elevated I felt the sport a little bit and me individually.

“I think it is definitely going to elevate Jannik. The effort that he put out and the way he handled it at the end, which was really harsh.

“I have been there and know what it feels like to go two sets up. I was not match point but I was five points away, so I could taste it.

“But he is going to win this. He is going to win this thing. I thought I was going to win it but I was sadly mistaken!

“And it still sticks with me this long, I come here and I am still [frustrated]. But it pushed me. It ultimately pushed me the rest of the year and into the next year, but it should have kept pushing me.

“That’s the difference I believe between the all-time greats and a mere mortal like myself that won some but wasn’t able to take it to that next level.

“When I see that it brings back a couple of dark memories but the way he persevered and found that extra gear a couple of times is everything that I believe the sport should be about.”

Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz record after French Open final

McEnroe can undoubtedly relate to Sinner more than most, with the American having lost the 1984 French Open final to Ivan Lendl, having held a two-set lead.

It was the closest he came to tasting success at Roland Garros, while like Sinner he managed to reach number one in the world rankings.

READ MORE: John McEnroe states if he thinks Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner was the greatest French Open final in history

The Italian does, however, have a long, long career ahead of him, with the 23-year-old likely only getting started.

He will now turn his attention to Wimbledon, with a semi-final run in 2023 representing his best finish there so far.

Sinner has already conquered both the Australian Open and the US Open, and is certain to continue winning titles there for many years to come.

The world number one will, however, be devastated to have lost in the manner that he did to Alcaraz in the French capital.

He seemingly had one hand on the iconic trophy, only to be outdone by his ATP rival in one of the greatest tennis matches ever, with Alcaraz loving sharing the court with Sinner.

The pair played out a stunning clash for five hours and 29 minutes, which could become a familiar theme in men’s tennis for the foreseeable future.

It is Alcaraz who currently leads their head-to-head 8-4, with the Spaniard having now won their last five meetings.