The world No 1 has dominated the game over the last 18 months – except for Alcaraz, who he plays in their first grand slam final at Roland Garros

PARIS — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has not yet dropped a set in his bid to win the French Open for the first time. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, his opponent in Sunday’s final, has dropped four sets along the way.

Alcaraz and Sinner's first meeting in a Grand Slam final extends the self-perpetuating excellence that is lifting them above everybody else.