JANNIK SINNER had two hands on the French Open crown – or at least nine fingers…
But fans reckon he was then hit by the very same curse that struck Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final six years ago.
ReutersJannik Sinner reflects on Carlos Alcaraz storming back to win[/caption]
GettyRoger Federer likewise blew match points against Novak Djokovic[/caption]
Nothing less than that of “The Cursed Finger”.
Sinner was leading Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 in sets and 5-3 in the fourth, before earning three match points at love-40 on the Spaniard’s serve.
And it was then that some Sinner fans gleefully raised a finger in anticipation of the World No1 clinching his first Roland Garros title.
That’s also what happened to Federer in the SW19 seats when he had two match points on his own serve against big rival Novak Djokovic back in 2019.
Both times fingers went up. Both times fortunes went down for the man on top.
Djokovic clinched a five-set epic, then Alcaraz did just that too on Sunday – retaining his French crown via the longest-ever Roland Garros final.
Naturally, fans couldn’t resist making creepy comparisons.
One wrote: “If it’s not a cursed finger again” – cruelly adding crying-with-laughter emojis.
Haunted history repeated itself as excited tennis fans celebrated too early in two Grand Slam finals six years apart
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Others taunted Sinner fans – as the Italian went on to lose 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 in five hours and 29 minutes.
The 23-year-old might also have thought the spirits were against him for another reason – during the fourth set.
He sportingly gave up a point after telling the chair umpire an Alcaraz shot had wrongly been called out.
But replays showed line judges had been right to call it long.
Three-time Slam winner Sinner admitted afterwards it was tough to speak after losing from such a strong position.
The rueful runner-up said: “It’s easier to play than talk now.
“I’m still happy with this trophy – I won’t sleep very well tonight but it is OK.”
Alcaraz praised his beaten rival – perhaps knowing the pair are way ahead of the world’s rest in the men’s game.
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.”
GettyCarlos Alcaraz retained his crown in breathtaking style[/caption]
AFPFederer failed to pick up his sixth SW19 crown in 2019[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
