American tennis star Ben Shelton surprised many by tuning in to watch the gripping French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, an intense match that unfolded on June 11, 2025, at Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris. The incredible five-hour-and-29-minute battle captivated fans worldwide, with Shelton admitting that the extraordinary quality of play was too compelling to miss.
An Unforgettable Marathon on Clay at Roland Garros
The 2025 Roland Garros Men’s Singles final featured World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and World No.2 Jannik Sinner of Italy in a contest that will be remembered for its drama and resilience. After losing the first two sets and facing three championship points down while trailing 5-3 in the fourth set, Alcaraz made an extraordinary comeback, finally clinching the title with a final score of 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2). This victory marked Alcaraz’s successful defense of his French Open crown and underlined his status as a rising force in tennis.
During his press conference following the match, Alcaraz reflected on his comeback, saying,
“A lot of times people came back from match point down in final of a Grand Slam or even in other matches.”
The match was filled with breathtaking rallies and tense moments as both players delivered remarkable skill and determination over nearly five and a half hours.
Ben Shelton’s Unexpected Engagement with the Final
Ben Shelton revealed to Tennis Channel that usually, he does not follow tournaments after his own matches conclude and prefers to watch other sports or take a break from viewing altogether. However, the exceptional intensity of the Alcaraz-Sinner final changed his approach.
Shelton said,
“I’m not really the guy who sits there and watches the tournament after I’m out you know. I’ll maybe watch a different sport or not watch anything at all.”
He decided to catch the final stages starting at 6-5 in the fifth set, intrigued by how the decisive tiebreak would unfold between the two contenders. He described the back-and-forth tension, explaining,
“For me I turned it on at 6-5 in the 5th and I was like ‘Let’s just see what this tiebreak is looking like’. And I knew there had been ups and downs. Sinner got tight and Alcaraz got tight serving for the match. And it kind of got to the point where these guys were playing a baseline game. The serve was a non-factor, they were putting the serve in the box and going to war. It was really entertaining, the points that they were having. Every point was crazy and for me it was the tiebreaker that was the most insane.”
Shelton further praised Alcaraz’s clutch performance under pressure, stating,
“Those first 6 or 7 points with Alcaraz, you go back and you watch those and you’re like ‘That’s some of the most clutch tennis I’ve seen at 6-all in the 5th in my life.’”
Expert Analysis Praising the Epic Final
Former ATP professional Jim Courier lauded both players for delivering an extraordinary match, remarking,
“They brought us a gift, that is what this match was. Alcaraz played well and took it from him. It was such a high level, there is so much for them to revel in.”
Jim Courier highlighted the remarkable endurance and skill on display, emphasizing the significance of this match in tennis history.
Legendary Comparison: Boris Becker’s View on Alcaraz and Sinner
Former German tennis icon Boris Becker, appearing on TNT Sports during the French Open, was visibly impressed by the performances of Alcaraz and Sinner. He suggested that their rivalry and playing caliber could one day be compared to the legendary “Big Three” of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, who dominated grand slam tennis for over 15 years.
Becker commented on Sinner’s valiant effort despite the loss, saying,
“He behaved like a champion, fought and played his best clay court match to date. That will happen again, maybe Jannik will be the luckier one next time. It was the same with Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. What epic duels they’ve had over 15 years, and that’s exactly the level I see Carlos and Jannik at.”
He also reflected on the emotional toll of such a defeat while praising the match itself,
“The match was unbelievable, I feel for both players. These are the matches you train for and why you love this sport.”
Massive Global Audience Captivated by the Final
The Alcaraz-Sinner final drew an enormous viewership worldwide. French media outlet L’Équipe reported an average of 5.5 million viewers on the channels that broadcast the match in France, marking the highest attendance for a men’s singles final at Roland Garros since the famous 2011 Federer-Nadal epic. The viewership peaked at 9.5 million during the endgame moments when Alcaraz secured the championship, illustrating the global intrigue and excitement generated by the encounter.
Emergence of a Rivalry to Rival the Greats
The intensity and quality of the match have sparked discussions about whether Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could develop into a rivalry on par with Federer and Nadal, who defined an era of tennis. Their youthful passion and relentless fighting spirit have not only thrilled fans but also energized the sport’s future landscape.
With both players demonstrating the ability to produce extraordinary tennis under immense pressure, the tennis world keenly watches what lies ahead for these two emerging stars.
Ben Shelton’s decision to break away from his usual viewing habits to witness this remarkable contest underlines how deeply the match resonated within the tennis community. The final not only showcased incredible individual skill but also highlighted the thrilling unpredictability and drama that make Grand Slam tennis so compelling.