World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz edged out world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a cinematic finish, securing back-to-back titles at Roland-Garros and further cementing his place as the brightest young star in the sport.

Carlos Alcaraz paused in a moment of quiet reverence before his French Open semi-final on Friday to take a picture of the permanent footprint tribute to his childhood idol and compatriot Rafael Nadal.

In a touching pre-match moment at Roland‑Garros, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz paused on Court Philippe‑Chatrier to take a photograph of Rafael Nadal’s immortalized footprint plaque. He then went on to play his semifinal match against Lorenzo Musetti.