Carlos Alcaraz has opened up on how Rafael Nadal inspired him to battle back from two sets down and retain his French Open title. The young Spaniard produced the comeback of all comebacks to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Jannik Sinner spurned three championship points in the fourth set, which gave Alcaraz the momentum he needed to win.

It boiled down to a fifth-set tiebreak, with Alcaraz prevailing to secure a historic 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 triumph. It will almost certainly go down as the greatest French Open final in history, given the fine margins involved between the two best players in the world. It lasted five hours and 29 minutes, making it the second-longest Grand Slam final in the Open era.

After collecting his trophy, Alcaraz revealed that he was inspired by the fighting spirit Nadal was renowned for at the peak of his powers.

He told France TV Sport: “When I was feeling worse, I had no more strength, I tried to think about Rafa, about all the comebacks he made.”

In a separate interview with Eurosport, Alcaraz explained that his grandfather’s advice was also ringing in his ears throughout the match.

“I played with my grandfather’s three Cs,” he said, referring to cabeza (head), corazon (heart) and cojones (balls). “My grandfather is proud. Cojones! After the match I played, I think I can say that.”

Alcaraz added: “To put into words was just happened is really difficult, honestly. Two sets down against the No 1, with the level that he was playing.

“I just put my heart into it and tried to keep it going. Never gave up. I was just fighting, point after point. In the end, it was all heart.”

Sinner, meanwhile, was visibly gutted after throwing away several opportunites to win the match. He was quick to congratulate Alcaraz on his victory while admitting the manner of his defeat would haunt him for some time.

“An amazing performance, amazing battle, amazing everything for you and your team,” said the Italian. “Amazing job. I’m very happy for you and you deserve it.

“It’s easier to play than talking now. My team, thank you so much for putting myself in this position. We tried our best today, we gave everything we had.

“Some time ago, we would have loved to be here. Still an amazing tournament even though it’s very, very difficult now, but it’s okay. Thanks so much to all the ball kids, you do an amazing job and make life so much easier on court.

“It’s a big privilege for us players to be here. For me, it’s a very special place and many great things I have achieved, even though I’m still happy with this one. I won’t sleep tonight very well, but it’s okay.”