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 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

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedThomas DuncanBBC Sport Scotland in Vaduz51 minutes ago42 CommentsInternational friendly: Liechtenstein v ScotlandVenue: Rheinpark Stadium, Vaduz Date: Monday, 9 June Kick-off: 17:00 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio ScotlandScott McTominay and Kieran Tierney have not travelled with Scotland as they prepare to face Liechtenstein on Monday in a friendly match.Napoli midfielder McTominay, 28, picked up a knock in the defeat by Iceland on Friday and was replaced on 80 minutes.Tierney will also miss out on the second match of Scotland’s double-header through injury, which is live on BBC Scotland from 16:30 BST.Head coach Steve Clarke has already called up two goalkeepers – Ross Doohan and 18-year-old Callan McKenna – after injuries to Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie against Iceland.Gunn was replaced by 22-year-old Ipswich goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who endured a tough debut in the 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden.Liechtenstein, ranked 205th in the world, are Scotland’s final opponents before they open their World Cup qualifying campaign in September away to Denmark.How good are Liechtenstein?Liam McLeodBBC Sport Scotland CommentatorThere are just five nations ranked below the microstate in the world rankings, including the US and British Virgin Islands and San Marino. And even the San Marinese have beaten Liechtenstein twice in the past year.They have only won once in their last 48 matches – a 1-0 success over Hong Kong in a friendly last October – and have a squad mainly made up of home-based part-time players who perform in the lower reaches of the Swiss leagues.In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, manager Craig Levein was made to sweat as a Stephen McManus header in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Hampden spared the Scots one of their most embarrassing ever results as they laboured to a 2-1 victory.It was not exactly a routine win 13 months later in the return in Vaduz, with Craig Mackail-Smith’s solitary Scotland goal settling it.This one has shades of the friendly with Gibraltar 12 months ago, which was another stodgy affair and it may be similar this time round at the end of a long season. Regardless of the outcome, Clarke will have much to ponder before the trip to Copenhagen to face top seeds Denmark in the early autumn when the real stuff begins again.Match statsScotland have won both previous meetings with Liechtenstein, both in Euro 2012 qualification (2-1 home, 1-0 away).Liechtenstein have won one of their last 76 matches against nations inside the top 100 (D7 L68), beating Luxembourg 2-1 in an October 2020 friendly.Scotland have failed to win five of their last six against opponents ranked lower than them (D3 L2), having won 13 of their previous 15 (L2).Liechtenstein are winless in their last 26 home games (D4 L22) since a 2-0 victory over Gibraltar in September 2018. They’ve scored in just one of their last 15 matches at home (a 3-1 loss to San Marino in November last year).Scotland are looking to win three consecutive away games for the first time since November 2021.This will be Clarke’s 68th game in charge, which will see him move level with Jock Stein and behind only Craig Brown (71).Related topicsScottish FootballFootballScotland Men’s Football Team

Getty ImagesMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalist8 minutes ago6 CommentsA star in the Birmingham City academy, impressing in the Championship, then a big-money move to Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund; Jobe Bellingham’s career is following a very similar path to that of his older brother Jude.Jobe recently helped Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League – but the 19-year-old midfielder won’t be playing in the English top flight next season.Instead, in an agreement worth up to £31m, he will join eight-time German champions Dortmund, who finished fourth in 2024-25 to secure a Champions League place.He will become Dortmund’s second-most expensive signing after Ousmane Dembele in 2016 and Sunderland’s record sale.Dortmund is a club the Bellinghams know extremely well after Jude’s successful spell there. He was only 17 when the German side paid Birmingham City an initial fee of £25m to sign him in July 2020. It proved to be a bargain.Jude made 132 appearances over a three-year stint at Signal Iduna Park, winning the DFB Pokal in 2021. He narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title as a knee injury meant he was an unused substitute when they drew with Mainz on the final day of the 2022-23 season. Victory would have made them champions for the first time in 11 years.Jude was named Bundesliga Player of the Season, and within months had joined Real Madrid for an initial £88.5m. He helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga in his first season, and the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Intercontinental Cup in his second.Jobe has a lot to live up to.’He’s trying to create his own identity’Getty ImagesThough Jobe is following in his brother’s footsteps by joining Dortmund, he wears his first name on the back of his shirt as he aims to create his own headlines.”He doesn’t want to live off the back of his brother’s name; he wants to be the footballer he is and show people what he can do. He’s trying to create his own identity,” said former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray in 2023.While Jude operates largely as a number 10 – behind the main striker – for club and country, Jobe can play as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder. In his first season at the Stadium of Light he even deputised as a central forward, although he has maintained his best position is in the middle of the park.”I know playing box-to-box is what I enjoy the most, because you can get stuck in and drive forward,” he told Sky Sports. “I can show more of what I’m capable of in that position.”In the 2024-25 season, he played 43 times for Sunderland, scoring four goals and registering three assists.”He’s still a young player with the ability to play many different roles,” said Sunderland boss Regis le Bris earlier this season.”I like him as a number eight because he’s an offensive midfielder. He can express his power, his ability to run and his ability to press, to link defence and attack.”Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini believes moving to Germany will be a positive for Jobe.”The Bundesliga is somewhere between the Championship and the Premier League,” said BBC Radio Newcastle pundit Gabbiadini.”It’s a way of stepping up, maybe a little bit of less pressure. There are some financial advantages of going abroad as well.”Jobe was 17 when he moved to Sunderland from Birmingham for an undisclosed fee – on the same day Jude completed his move to Real Madrid.”It was a bit of a surprise when he came to Sunderland,” added Gabbiadini. “Not because we weren’t a big enough club, but because he was such a hot talent. “Birmingham were in a similar position to us in the league, it wasn’t a massive step up at that stage.”He’s been very good for us. Do I think he’s as good as his brother? Not from what I’ve seen so far, but there is nothing wrong with that.”If he’s 80% as good as his brother, he will still be a very good footballer. So in some respects, let it be, let it progress as he wants.”‘The biggest dream’ – Jude hopes Jobe can play for England Getty ImagesJobe and Jude were both born in Stourbridge in the West Midlands and came through Birmingham’s academy.But could they be reunited on the pitch in England shirts in the future?Jude made his England debut four months after joining Dortmund and has already won 43 caps, scoring six times and reaching the final of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024.Just as Jude did, Jobe has represented England at various youth levels, and has been named in the Young Lions’ squad for the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.Speaking on his YouTube channel in September, Jude said he hoped Jobe could soon join him in a full England squad.”Because we’re of a similar age and we’ve played together for so long – in the street and on tufts of grass – to play with my brother for England… that would be the biggest dream of my life,” said Jude.”That would mean more than any of the trophies, especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together, win things together. Nothing would even get close to that.”And Jude believes his own success will help motivate his younger brother.”He has to deal with more than I would have had to at his age, and he deals with it with so much class,” he said.”He wants to try to create his own legacy and his own path. People will use him as a way to have a dig at me and vice-versa, so we’re almost like each other’s biggest fans but also the biggest target for each other because we care about each other so much.”As long as he’s happy, that’s all I really care about. His happiness means more to me than my own.”Brother v brother in Club World Cup?Getty ImagesAlthough Jobe has been named in England’s squad for this summer’s European Under-21 Championship, if his move to Dortmund is completed by 10 June he could spend the next month playing in the Club World Cup instead.The 32-team tournament is being held in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.Dortmund have been drawn in Group F, along with Fluminense of Brazil, Ulsan HD of South Korea and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. Real Madrid are in Group H, with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Pachuca of Mexico and Austrian team Red Bull Salzburg.If both Dortmund and Real win their respective groups and last-16 ties, they would meet in the quarter-finals on 5 July.Jobe could then face his big brother for the first time in a competitive match and have the chance to really make a name for himself.Related topicsBorussia DortmundEuropean FootballFootball