Jannik Sinner shares health update ahead of Rome Open final showdown vs Carlos Alcaraz

Tennis fans are set for another marquee matchup as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the Rome Open final, where he will face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner earned his spot after defeating Tommy Paul in a dramatic three-set semifinal to reach his first Rome Open final, matching Alcaraz’s achievement.

Sinner’s road to victory began with a surprising stumble as he lost the opening set 6-1 to Paul, a stark contrast to his dominant win over Casper Ruud, where he dropped just one game. The Italian regrouped to claim the next two sets, 6-0 and 6-3, but his movement in the closing stages raised concerns after he appeared to struggle physically.

However, Sinner assured fans there’s no cause for alarm. “Since the third round, I have had a small blister under my foot,” Sinner revealed when asked about his movement issues. “It doesn’t allow me to move well in some moments. Today I felt it more than yesterday”.

Addressing additional concerns about his leg, Sinner dismissed any major issues, explaining the tightness was unrelated to any injury. “With the leg, I am not concerned—it was just a bit tight, and that is normal,” he continued. “I have to take care of this blister, but there are no excuses. With the adrenaline, there will be a lot of energy, and for Sunday, I am 100 percent not concerned”.

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates after winning match point against Tommy Paul of United States during the Rome Open semifinal. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Sinner reflects on comeback victory over Paul

Sinner’s semifinal clash began unexpectedly, with Paul taking full advantage of the Italian’s early errors to cruise through the first set 6-1. The Italian remained composed and turned the tide with a commanding performance in the next two sets.

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“I tried to stay there mentally,” Sinner said. “The conditions were completely different. It’s much colder today, and the ball is a bit heavier. I struggled with that at first. He broke me right away, so that’s a straight punch in my face, but I stayed there mentally and tried to figure out what might work better.”

A pivotal moment came late in the first set when Sinner won his only game to close the score at 5-1. The Italian emphasized the significance of that lone game as a turning point heading into the second set.

“Winning that one game in the first set was very important for me,” Sinner noted. “Tennis can change quickly. That’s what I said yesterday with Casper. Every moment is crucial, and I’m very happy to be in the final”.

Sinner previews Rome Open final vs. Alcaraz

With his victory, Sinner became the first Italian to reach the Rome Open final since Adriano Panatta in 1978. He also joined Andy Murray (2016) as the only players to reach seven consecutive ATP finals.

“If I want to win on Sunday, I have to play some of my best tennis,” Sinner said via ATP Tour. “Carlos played some incredible tennis today. Let’s see what’s coming. From my side, it’s incredible to be here in the final”. Sinner and Alcaraz are no strangers, with the Spaniard holding a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head record. On clay, however, the pair are even at 1-1, setting the stage for an epic battle at Campo Centrale.