Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 7-6 (5), 6-1 to win his first Italian Open title, reaffirming his position as one of the leading forces in men’s tennis. In doing so, he not only extended his winning streak over Sinner to four consecutive matches but also secured his seventh Masters 1000 title and 19th career title overall. The victory halted Sinner’s 26-match winning run and dealt a blow to what had been a remarkable comeback tournament for the Italian.
Alcaraz’s performance was a masterclass in composure and tactical precision. Having spoken about the weight of expectations during Sinner’s absence from the tour due to a doping suspension, Alcaraz regained his rhythm by focusing on enjoying his game again. That mindset helped him play with freedom and poise, especially during high-pressure moments.
The first set was intensely contested. Alcaraz found himself in trouble at 5-6, 15-40, facing two set points. But he dug deep, saving both and forcing a tiebreak. In the breaker, he displayed his touch and flair, sealing the set with a stunning backhand drop volley at 6-5 that left the crowd gasping. With the momentum on his side, Alcaraz stormed through the second set, outplaying Sinner with a mix of power, spin, and smart shot selection.
What stood out was Alcaraz’s tactical evolution. In previous meetings, he often played into Sinner’s strengths, engaging in straight power duels. This time, he employed more variety slower looped topspin balls to disrupt rhythm, mixed with offensive drives to keep Sinner unsettled. This strategic approach paid off handsomely.
The win in Rome capped an impressive clay-court run for Alcaraz. Earlier in the season, he won his first Monte Carlo title and now stands as just the third player since the start of the ATP Tour in 1990 to capture all of the major clay titles. With a Roland Garros crown already in his collection and two Madrid Open titles, Alcaraz has asserted his dominance on the surface.
Despite the loss, Sinner had a standout week. The Italian has become a national icon, drawing adoring crowds to his matches and even being welcomed by Pope Leo XIV during the tournament. The Foro Italico was drenched in orange, both in tribute to Sinner’s hair color and his now-iconic association with the carrot stemming from a widely shared moment early in his career.
Sinner acknowledged the electric atmosphere and the support he received, describing it as a deeply emotional experience. Though disappointed by the final result, he reflected positively on his performance throughout the tournament. He maintained that he played some of his best tennis and gained valuable insights into areas he needs to refine before the French Open.
Their clash in Rome was more than just a final it was another chapter in a compelling rivalry that looks set to define the next generation of men’s tennis. With both players still in their early 20s and constantly evolving, more memorable battles are sure to follow on the biggest stages.
