Sinner and Alcaraz will face each other in the Italian Open final
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will face each other in the final of the Italian Open, marking Sinner’s triumphant return after a three-month break.
Sinner, currently at the top of the ranking, achieved a victory in the semifinals against Tommy Paul with partials of 1-6, 6-0, 6-3. For his part, Alcaraz secured his place in the final by defeating Lorenzo Musetti with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (4).
This encounter will be the first between Sinner and Alcaraz since October, when Alcaraz won the China Open. Alcaraz leads the head-to-head with 6 wins to Sinner’s 4, including three consecutive wins. However, Sinner arrives at this final with a streak of 26 matches won.
“He’s playing great. I’ve been watching his matches. His level is very high at the moment. Every time I play against him it’s always a battle, it’s always very, very tough. I enjoy those moments,” Alcaraz commented.
Carlos Alcaraz
Sinner demonstrated a great level in the quarterfinals against Casper Ruud. Despite some unforced errors in the first set against Paul, he managed to reverse the situation quickly. The Italian tennis player admitted that the cooler and heavier conditions presented challenges, but he remained focused.
Sinner revealed that he has a small blister on his foot since the third round, which affects his mobility, but he assured that it is not a cause for concern for the final. The final represents a historic opportunity for Sinner, who seeks to become the first Italian to win the title in Rome since 1976.
Sinner’s fans have been a key factor in his matches, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Alcaraz acknowledged that playing against Sinner in his hometown will be an added challenge.
The Rome Open is the last major tournament before the start of the Roland Garros on May 25.
Alcaraz has had an outstanding clay court season, reaching the final in three events: he won the Monte Carlo Masters and was runner-up at the Barcelona Open. He withdrew from the Madrid Open due to an injury.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning his semi-final match against Lorenzo Musetti at the Italian Open in Rome.
Alcaraz, who withdrew from the Madrid tournament due to a leg injury, has played in Rome with protection on his right leg.
Musetti managed to win a set against Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final, but Alcaraz broke the Italian’s serve at the beginning of the match in Rome. Musetti made unforced errors and only began to put pressure on Alcaraz at the end of the set. Musetti was penalized a point for bad behavior.
Alcaraz highlighted the importance of playing intelligent tennis in the windy conditions of the Foro Italico.
In his debut in Rome last year, Alcaraz lost in the third round against Fabian Marozsan.
In the women’s final, Coco Gauff will face Jasmine Paolini.
In women’s doubles, Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani advanced to the final after defeating Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider.
