Getty ImagesHarry PooleBBC Sport journalist33 minutes agoA 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.If any doubt remained, this was confirmation of the dawn of a new era in men’s tennis.Getty ImagesFor 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.'”These are two of the best athletes the human race can put forward and they happen to be tennis players. I’m not speechless often, but what a wonderful day.”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.”I have the same feeling with Carlos and some other players. It’s very special. I’m happy to be part of this.”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.”With seven of the past eight slams going to Alcaraz and Sinner – a streak of dominance punctuated only by Novak Djokovic’s 24th major title at the 2023 US Open – it remains to be seen if any other players can challenge the newly established status quo.L’EquipeAlcaraz 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. “I’m not going to beat him forever, that’s obvious. So I have to keep learning from the matches I play against him.”Related topicsTennis

Getty ImagesSean KearnsBBC Sport1 hour agoRevenues 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. The revenue increases were largely driven by four clubs, with Arsenal (£15.3m), Chelsea (£11.5m), Manchester United (£9.2m) and Manchester City (£6.6m) accounting for two-thirds of the money made across the league. 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.”Bridge added that a “competitive balance is a key priority” if the WSL is to sustain long-term growth, with the gap widening between the top-earning clubs and the lowest-earning clubs in the league. Head here to get involvedRelated topicsFootballWomen’s Football

Getty ImagesMandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalist2 hours agoCanadian 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) Full leaderboardNew 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.He bogeyed the ninth, 16th and 17th holes while hitting a birdie on the 15th to go round in 67 as he finished on 13 under.Related topicsGolf

Getty ImagesBobbie JacksonBBC Sport Journalist38 minutes agoIt was a final so engrossing that the Spanish national football team huddled around a mobile phone to watch before their Nations League meeting with Portugal.Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner put on a performance for the ages as they battled over an epic five sets for the French Open crown.Backed into a corner after losing the opening two sets, defending champion Alcaraz came out swinging – and saved three championship points on the way – to win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2).Just two minutes before Spain kicked off their Nations League final against Portugal at 20:00 BST, their compatriot Alcaraz had defied the odds to complete his magnificent comeback.The Spanish footballers, who also went the distance before losing on penalties, watched at least some of his heroics as they took in their surroundings on the field at the Allianz Arena in Munich.Getty ImagesAlcaraz could not resist posting an image of himself holding the Coupe des Mousquetaires, with the caption: “How was your Sunday?”And the 22-year-old received widespread praise for the manner in which he got over the line to land a fifth Grand Slam title, achieving that feat at the exact same age as another legendary Spaniard, Rafael Nadal – 22 years, one month and three days.Real Madrid, who Alcaraz supports, were among those to congratulate him, writing: “All madridistas are happy and proud of this brilliant success achieved by one of our own.”Former Real midfielder Toni Kroos shared a photo of himself and Alcaraz from 2022 – captioned “The future. And me” – with a new message, simply reading: “Told you”.The PGA Tour compared and even raised Alcaraz above one of the golfing greats – 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.”Five majors by age 22. Not even Tiger Woods did that,” the organisation posted.Away from the sporting world, Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey made sure to credit Italy’s Sinner as well, writing: “Thank you Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for the absolute elite ‘mano y mano’ [hand and hand] competition. Wow.”‘King Carlos the second’With an opening game lasting 12 minutes, it felt inevitable that the final between the two best players in the world would be a marathon.In the end, Alcaraz and Sinner put everything on the line for five hours and 29 minutes – the longest French Open final in history.Just as the fifth set got under way at around 18:45 BST, British player Naomi Broady had to make the call to alter her travel plans.”I’ve just changed my Eurostar ticket because I think it is safe to say I’m not going to make the 9pm one,” Broady said on BBC Radio 5 Live.It was worth it, with an emotional Broady saying afterwards she felt “so lucky that I got to be here to witness this”.”It feels like this is absolutely going to be a historic moment of our sport,” she added.Former British number one Greg Rusedski likened Alcaraz to Hungarian escapologist Harry Houdini, while on TNT Sports, commentator Nick Mullins crowned him “King Carlos the second – the red king in the longest Roland Garros final”.”Carlos certainly didn’t invent tennis, but he is perfecting it,” former British player Mark Petchey added on TNT Sports.The most epic Grand Slam final ever?We have been treated to some incredible spectacles over the years, especially in the ‘Big Three’ era of Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.Djokovic, who is still chasing a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title, is the only one left standing. The 38-year-old great lost in three sets to Sinner in the Paris semi-finals.The future of men’s tennis undoubtedly looks bright with Alcaraz and Sinner steering the ship.But where does their final rank in the all-time list?The tennis world has witnessed some epic Grand Slam battles, including:Nadal v Federer – Wimbledon (2008)Nadal and Federer had to battle it out over four hours and 48 minutes (it was actually nearly seven hours because of rain delays). Nadal held off a thrilling fightback to win in five sets. Djokovic v Nadal – Australian Open (2012)Djokovic outlasted Nadal after five hours and 53 minutes to win his fifth Grand Slam title in a match that finished at 01:37 local time.Murray v Djokovic – Wimbledon (2013) Andy Murray took three hours and nine minutes to see off Djokovic and end Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s Wimbledon champion. Federer v Djokovic – Wimbledon (2019)Djokovic saved two championship points in Wimbledon’s longest singles final, which lasted four hours and 57 minutes, to beat Federer.What information do we collect from this quiz?Related topicsTennis

Getty Images31 minutes agoUriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died aged 65.Rennie officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.”We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” said a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association statement.”Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city.He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw the top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.”Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List.”We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.”Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.He had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of the university.Related topicsPremier LeagueFootball

Getty ImagesJonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter at Roland Garros8 June 2025, 19:59 BST730 CommentsUpdated 24 minutes agoFrench Open 2025Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland GarrosCoverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and appDefending champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered from two sets down – saving three championship points on the way – to beat Jannik Sinner in an incredible French Open men’s singles final.Alcaraz’s reign on the Roland Garros clay looked to be over when world number one Sinner closed in on victory at 5-3 in the fourth set.But the 22-year-old Spaniard showed extraordinary fight to win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes – the longest French Open final in history.In an electrifying atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz produced the finest performance of his career to claim a fifth major title.In his victory speech, he told Sinner: “The level you have is amazing.”It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”Alcaraz is the first man to win a Grand Slam title after saving match point since Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.The world number two had never previously won a match after losing the opening two sets.Sinner, bidding for a maiden Roland Garros triumph, was denied his third successive major after a gruelling, gritty and glorious encounter.”It’s easier to play than talk now,” said the 23-year-old, who was playing in only his second tournament since returning from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests.”I’m still happy with this trophy – I won’t sleep very well tonight but it is OK.”Alcaraz laps up admiration in all-time classicThe first Grand Slam showpiece between the two dominant players on the ATP Tour had been a tantalising prospect – and it surpassed the hype.Both Alcaraz and Sinner pushed themselves – and each other – to the limit in a classic contest that showcased all of their shot-making, athleticism and resilience.Their fascinating rivalry is quickly turning into an enduring duel that could transcend the sport.It has all the facets – the core talent, gripping encounters on the biggest stages and the blend of personalities.Alcaraz, with his swashbuckling style, passion and infectious smile, has long been a box-office star who engages millions of fans.In the toughest moments of the battle against Sinner, he continued to play with freedom – perhaps too much for his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero – and demanded more noise from the Paris crowd.They loudly responded as Alcaraz demonstrated the heart and courage – along with explosive returns and deft hand skills – for which he has become known and revered.The majority of the 15,000 fans were jumping to their feet after every point in a thrilling finale, where both players continued to execute top-quality shots that often defied belief.Alcaraz flew out of the blocks in the first-to-10 match tie-break of the deciding set, sapping every last bit of Sinner’s energy before sealing victory with a remarkable running forehand winner that fizzed down the line.He fell flat on his back before Sinner trudged around the net for a warm, heartfelt embrace.Alcaraz somehow found the energy to sprint off court, climbing up the stands to celebrate with 2003 French Open winner Ferrero, the rest of his team and his family.Both players were given rapturous rounds of applause as they collected their trophies after the second longest major final in history.Sinner gives ‘everything’ on Grand Slam returnGetty ImagesSinner has emerged as the standout player on the ATP Tour over the past 18 months, with a machine-like brand of tennis reminiscent of 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in his prime.Little appears to faze the mild-mannered Italian on or off court – even the controversy surrounding his doping case which rocked the sport.Sinner agreed a three-month ban with the World Anti-Doping Agency shortly after retaining his Australian Open title in January, meaning he did not miss a Grand Slam tournament and was able to compete at Roland Garros.It was like he had never been away.Sinner did not drop a set on his way to a maiden French Open final, losing serve only three times in his six matches – the fewest since Spanish great Rafael Nadal in 2012.But his serve instantly came under intense pressure against Alcaraz in an elongated start which included a 12-minute opening game.The quality of his service game varied as the contest ebbed and flowed, but landing 54% of his first serves over the whole match was a telling statistic.Alcaraz broke him seven times as a consequence and swarmed over Sinner’s second serve to take control of the final-set tie-break.Questions were raised about Sinner’s fitness and durability if the final went long, given he is still in the early stages of his comeback, but he answered them in the longest match of his career.Addressing his team afterwards, he said: “We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. “Some time ago, we would have loved to be here [in the final] so it’s still been an amazing tournament.”Related topicsTennis