Tim Henman explained what left him surprised during Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s French Open semi-final.
In one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, two of tennis’ brightest talents battled for a spot in their first final at the clay court major, in which Alcaraz prevailed 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
In the sunshine, which over the last few days finally made an appearance after the constant rain in the tournament’s first week, a capacity crowd on court Phillipe Chatrier witnessed another compelling contest between the Australian Open and Wimbledon champions.
In a match that produced several twists and turns, it was the Italian’s ability to overcome his fitness issues to turn the match back in his favour halfway through that caught Henman’s eye.
What did Tim Henman say about Jannik Sinner’s third set performance against Carlos Alcaraz?
During the third set of their pulsating encounter, Sinner quelled a comeback from Alcaraz, who took the second set 6-3 to level the match at a set apiece.
This was all the more surprising given that the Italian battled cramp in set three, but Henman was pleased to see how the 22-year-old overcame the challenges he was faced with.
“Sinner really looked like he was struggling with cramp in his right hand and in his forearm, which was a big surprise,” the tennis pundit told Eurosport. “I think that was a huge challenge for Sinner but as is normally the case he didn’t panic, got the trainer on, got a little bit of massage into the forearm.
“If anything Alcaraz perhaps was aware of Sinner’s struggles but became a little bit passive and that’s where Sinner said ‘okay I need to keep some of these rallies short’. He was going with huge power from the back of the court, he always hits the ball hard but he was always looking to take the shots on at every opportunity.”
Who won the French Open semi-final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz?
Alcaraz and Sinner produced a five-set match that produced several peaks and troughs through the first three sets, before both players simultaneously found their best level in sets four and five.
Sinner grabbed the initiative and stormed ahead after winning the first set 6-2, before Alcaraz raised his game to level proceedings.
As mentioned above Sinner shortened the points to great effect as he regained the lead, but Alcaraz would not be denied.
The Spaniard began to play with more width and shape which took his opponent off balance and he grabbed the fourth set to send the match into a deciding set.
With all the momentum and Sinner looking fatigued, Alcaraz secured victory and will face either Casper Ruud or Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final.
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