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A first major final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the two best players in the world, always promised to deliver.

But even the most optimistic could not have anticipated it would reach the heights it did during a breathtaking five hours and 29 minutes.

The two generational talents played out an instant classic at Roland Garros, in which Spain’s Alcaraz recovered from two sets down – and saved three championship points – to retain his French Open title after a fifth set match tie-break.

Alcaraz is only the third man to win a major final after saving a championship point since the Open era began in 1968.

It was a fifth major triumph for Alcaraz, 22, who has now shared the sport’s past six major titles with Italy’s world number one Sinner, 23.

Sunday’s blockbuster, which broke the record for the longest French Open final in history, was the first Grand Slam men’s final to feature two players born in the 2000s.

For more than two decades the men’s game was dominated by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

But Djokovic, the only remaining active member of the trio, admitted he could have played his last French Open after his latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title was ended by Sinner in the semi-finals.

As the excitement surrounding Alcaraz and Sinner’s rivalry entered the stratosphere in Paris on Sunday, the question of who could rise up and fill the void at the end of the ‘Big Three’ era has been answered.

Seven-time major winner Mats Wilander, who won the previous longest Roland Garros final in 1982, said on TNT Sports: “Federer and Nadal played a couple of good finals, but nothing comes close to this.

“I thought ‘this is not possible – they’re playing at a pace that is not human.’

This was the first meeting in a major final between two familiar foes who have become the standout performers on the ATP Tour.

Italy’s Sinner, who served a three-month doping suspension between February and May, has shown remarkable consistency over the past 20 months, losing just 10 of 121 matches since the Beijing Open in September 2023.

But half of those defeats have come in his past five meetings with Alcaraz. In fact, Sinner has lost just three of his past 50 matches – all to the Spaniard.

“I think every rivalry is different,” said Sinner.

“Back in the days, they played different tennis. Now it’s very physical, but you cannot compare.

“I was lucky enough to play against Novak and Rafa. Beating these guys, it takes a lot.

Alcaraz, who will begin his Wimbledon title defence in just three weeks, now leads the head-to-head with Sinner 8-4.

In becoming the first man to win his first five Grand Slam singles finals in the Open era, Alcaraz ended Sinner’s perfect record in major finals and his pursuit of a third-straight slam.

“Every match I’m playing against him is important,” Alcaraz said.

“This is the first match in a Grand Slam final. Hopefully not the last because every time we face each other, we raise our level to the top.

“If you want to win Grand Slams, you have to beat the best tennis players in the world.”

Alcaraz emulated his childhood hero Rafael Nadal – a record 14-time champion at Roland Garros – by winning his fifth major at the exact same age of 22 years, one month and three days.

Sinner, meanwhile, is the youngest man to reach three consecutive Grand Slam singles finals since 14-time major winner Pete Sampras in 1994.

Such statistics offer a strong indication of the trajectory they both find themselves on.

So, where does their rivalry go from here?

The pair both have titles to defend at the two remaining slams in 2025 – Alcaraz at Wimbledon and Sinner at the US Open.

Alcaraz, who leads Sinner 20-19 in career titles, has reduced Sinner’s lead at the top of the world rankings to 2,030 points.

But the reigning champion has 2,000 points to defend at Wimbledon, compared to just 400 for Sinner after his quarter-final exit last year.

“I’m sure he will learn from this match and come back stronger next time we face each other,” Alcaraz added.

“I’m sure he’s going to do his homework. I’m going to try to learn how I can be better [and] tactically hurt his game.

Revenues for Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs soared by 34% during a record-breaking 2023-24 season, despite a drop in attendances.

The 12 teams in the WSL amassed a combined revenue of £65m, with each club generating more than £1m for the first time.

Analysis from the Deloitte Sports Business Group found revenues grew from £48m in the 2022-23 season to £65m the following campaign.

The increase was driven by growth in commercial revenue, which increased by 53% from the previous season and now accounts for 40% of WSL clubs’ total revenue.

Matchday revenue increased, despite a 10% drop in attendances from the previous year.

The average league attendance dropped to 6,642.

The drop, which followed England reaching the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, contributed to pre-tax losses of £28m – up from £21m in 2022-23.

However, Deloitte is forecasting revenues to top £100m across the league at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, helped by the upcoming Euros in Switzerland,

“Women’s football in England is evolving rapidly,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group.

“While challenges remain, it is clear there is potential for a passionate and engaged fanbase to drive the game’s development.

“Capitalising on major international tournaments is important at specific points in time, but sustainable growth hinges on the domestic league’s organic development.”

Revenues for Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs soared by 34% during a record-breaking 2023-24 season.

The 12 teams in the WSL amassed a combined revenue of £65m, with each club generating more than £1m for the first time.

Analysis from the Deloitte Sports Business Group found revenues grew from £48m in the 2022-23 season to £65m the following campaign.

The increase was driven by growth in commercial revenue, which increased by 53% from the previous season and now accounts for 40% of WSL clubs’ total revenue.

Matchday revenue increased by 73%, up to £12m, driven by a 31% increase in average league attendance.

The 2023-24 season followed England reaching the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, which they lost to Spain.

However, average attendance dropped by 10% to 6,642 the following season, which has been put down to a lack of international football drawing attention to the domestic game.

During the 2023-24 season, clubs’ combined pre-tax losses increased to £28m – up from £21m in 2022-23.

However, Deloitte is forecasting revenues to top £100m across the league at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, helped by the upcoming Euros in Switzerland,

“Women’s football in England is evolving rapidly,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group.

“While challenges remain, it is clear there is potential for a passionate and engaged fanbase to drive the game’s development.

“Capitalising on major international tournaments is important at specific points in time, but sustainable growth hinges on the domestic league’s organic development.”

Canadian Open final round leaderboard

-18 S Burns (US), R Fox (NZ, won at fourth extra hole); -17 K Yu (Tai); -16 M McCarty (US), C Young (US)

Selected others: -15 M Manassero (Ita); -14 D Skinns (Eng); -13 L Aberg (Swe), S Lowry (Ire), D Willett (Eng); -11 H Hall (Eng); -9 R MacIntyre (Sco)

New Zealander Ryan Fox beat American Sam Burns at a fourth play-off hole to claim a dramatic victory at the Canadian Open.

Fox sank a birdie at the 18th hole of his fourth round to set up a play-off against Burns, who had produced a stunning eight-under-par round of 62 at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Burns hit nine birdies and a bogey to take the clubhouse lead and it seemed it would be enough for victory until Fox’s heroics on the last hole in his round of 66.

The par five 18th was the sudden death play-off hole and, after Fox grazed the hole with his fourth shot and had to settle for a par, Burns failed to capitalise as he missed a makeable putt to win on the first time around.

At the next attempt, Fox nearly went into the water with his second shot before both again could not be separated as they made par.

The location of the hole was changed for their third attempt but the pair again holed in par before going for a fourth time.

This time, Fox produced a brilliant second shot and, after Burns took five, he made a birdie to win a second PGA Tour title on the back of his first triumph at last month’s Myrtle Beach Classic.

“It was very hard-fought,” said Fox. “I was pretty lucky to make that putt in regulation [at the 18th]. It just snuck in.

“I didn’t hit a couple of great shots in play-off and Sam let me off there the first time around.

“Nice to hit a good one that fourth time – that’s probably the best shot I’ve ever hit in my life. Nice to do it in these circumstances.”

England’s David Skinns produced a strong showing as he hit a 67 to finish on 13 under at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry had started strongly with an eagle and three birdies to briefly move into the lead on 15 under before his challenge faded.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as he won a third trophy with Portugal – the Nations League.

And what a way to do it, as they beat their neighbours and oldest rivals Spain on penalties.

Ronaldo may have already been off the pitch, having been replaced in the 88th minute – but he had already played his part.

The Portugal captain made it 2-2 in the 61st minute with a close-range finish. That was his 138th international goal, extending his own record.

And it was his eighth in nine Nations League games this campaign, only behind Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Not bad for a 40-year-old who has spent the past two and a half years in the Saudi Arabian league with Al-Nassr.

It marks the first time Spain have failed to lift a trophy since the 2022 World Cup, having won the Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024.

At times in this tournament – beating France 5-4 in the semi-finals – they looked unstoppable. But Ronaldo and Portugal did just that.

Nuno Mendes too, with the Portugal full-back keeping Spain star Lamine Yamal quiet and scoring a goal himself.

Ronaldo said: “Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.

“When you talk about a clash between Cristiano and someone else, that’s not how it works. The media always try to hype things up, which is a normal thing, but it’s one team versus another.”

They were the words of Ronaldo in the build-up to this game, and many discussed the 40-year-old coming up against 17-year-old Spain superstar Yamal.

And it was Ronaldo who emerged a winner in more ways than one after netting the 938th goal of his career, hooking in Mendes’ deflected cross from close range.

Former England midfielder Andros Townsend on ITV said: “This is why Cristiano Ronaldo is on the football pitch.

“He is a predator in the box. He knows where the ball is going to go. Good contact when it comes to him.

“People have written him off time and time again but he played his part tonight. He more than played his part in the semi-final. He has proven he can still make a difference at the highest level.”

ITV pundit Karen Carney added: “Ronaldo’s eyes lit up. ‘Who else? Me.’

“When you turn 30 everyone calls you old in football. This guy is 40 and he is constant defying us.”

He only touched the ball 22 times – but did track back more than once, including to win the ball off Yamal.

The Spain winger, who scored twice in the semi-final win over France, did not enjoy one of his best games.

He had four shots, mostly from distance, forcing two saves from Diogo Costa.

This marks the first trophy of Portugal manager Roberto Martinez’s international career, after failing to win anything with Belgium’s so-called golden generation.

The 2013 FA Cup with Wigan was his last piece of silverware – so could the Nations League save his job?

Balague said: “The rumour [that he will be sacked] has come from the federation of Portugal. A new president who has not chosen Roberto Martinez.

“We are reading the new president would like Jorge Jesus or Jose Mourinho to soon be the next manager, but how can you get rid of Roberto Martinez?”

Martinez took over as Portugal boss in January 2023, after the last World Cup, and is contracted until next summer to cover the 2026 World Cup.

“He has made Ronaldo a regular goalscorer again,” continued Balague. “Ronaldo has a better percentage of goals per game than he has with any other manager.

“Basically, this just killed whatever plan there was to get rid of him. How can they get rid of him?”

While the Nations League is not the biggest tournament in the world, it is one of only three trophies European countries can win, excluding other minor competitions you can only enter by winning another trophy.

Carney added: “It was more so with the Belgium national team, going from that golden generation and going to this one – what’s going to be different?

“There is something special about him.

“The players and Ronaldo have reacted positively to him.

Portugal left-back Mendes, midfielders Joao Neves and Vitinha and striker Goncalo Ramos were all celebrating at Allianz Arena for the second time in eight days.

They all won the Champions League with Paris St-Germain at the same venue last weekend, and Mendes was named man of the match for his fine job in this game.

Uefa’s technical observer group said: “He was incredible, both in attack and defensively during the tournament. He scored in the final, also providing an assist in the semi-final.”

The 22-year-old was electric down the left flank, as he shackled Yamal largely – and scored their first equaliser with a fine effort into the bottom corner.

He had four successful dribbles (three more than any team-mates), more touches in the opposition box than any other Portugal player and won seven duels – as many as anyone else on the team.

Mendes also played more passes into the final third (16) and won more tackles (five) than any other Portugal player.

“You love seeing him burst forward, but ultimately he has a defensive responsibility,” said Carney.

“A few players will be looking – ‘how do I get past him?’ But he is the complete [defender]. What a joy to have in your team.”

Balague added: “He’s been fantastic – top 10 Ballon d’Or. He has been superb.

Gav: Love him or hate him, Ronaldo keeps doing the business.

Paul: Ronaldo is just inevitable, isn’t he?

Harry, Winchester: Mendes is making Yamal look like a 17-year-old.

Bonny, London: Death… taxes… Ronaldo.

Emil, Stroud: Ronaldo still running rings around kids half his age. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still going at 50!

Joe: At what age is he going to stop. At 40 playing this good.