The tennis world is buzzing as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner takes on soon-to-be World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in their first-ever Rome Open final appearance. While Sinner acknowledges the uncertainty of the outcome, he sees a major upside to facing Alcaraz in this critical showdown.
This tournament marks Sinner’s return to competition following a three-month suspension due to a doping violation in 2024. Despite the hiatus, the Italian has shown no signs of rust, delivering dominant performances in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Sinner expressed the value of testing his skills against Alcaraz ahead of the season’s next Grand Slams, Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
“It’s great for me to play against Carlos before the two Grand Slams,” Sinner said via the ATP Tour. “That for me is good because I see where I have to improve, what I have to do better. But hopefully it’s going to be a good match”.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain is congratulated by Jannik Sinner of Italy after their match during the Indian Wells semifinal. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Sinner and Alcaraz: A special rivalry
Though they are currently the top-ranked players in the world, Sinner and Alcaraz have already faced each other 10 times, with Alcaraz holding a narrow 6-4 advantage. On clay, however, their record is tied at 1-1, making this final a decisive moment in their head-to-head history.
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“We know each other quite well now,” Sinner remarked. “It’s always special to share the court with him. I feel like we both know how to play against each other a little bit, so we have to be prepared tactically. Of course, small things are going to be changed. But it’s just a great test for me to see where I am”.
Alcaraz eager for another battle
Carlos Alcaraz heads into the final in stellar form, coming off impressive wins over Jack Draper in the quarterfinals and Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals—both top-10 players. The Spaniard knows his matches against Sinner bring out the best in both competitors, and he’s ready for the challenge.
“It could be great, I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz said about the upcoming final. “He’s playing great. I’ve been watching his matches. His level is really high right now. Every time that I play against him is always a battle, is always really, really tough. I kind of enjoy those moments, as well”.
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