CARLOZ ALCARAZ IS CHAMPION IN ROME

Carlos Alcaraz has won the Italian Open, defeating Jannik Sinner in the final with a score of 7-6(5), 6-1. This victory marked Alcaraz’s first Rome title, his seventh ATP Masters 1000 trophy, and his third tour-level title of the 2025 season, following earlier wins in Barcelona and Buenos Aires. The match lasted 1 hour and 47 minutes and showcased Alcaraz’s resilience and tactical prowess against the World No. 1. The first set was a tightly contested affair, with both players trading powerful groundstrokes and displaying exceptional court coverage. Sinner, riding a 26-match winning streak, pushed Alcaraz to a tiebreak after neither player could secure a break of serve. In the tiebreak, Alcaraz edged out Sinner 7-5, capitalizing on a slight dip in Sinner’s focus during key moments. The second set saw Alcaraz dominate, breaking Sinner’s serve early and maintaining relentless pressure. Sinner, who had not lost a match since the 2024 US Open, struggled to find answers as Alcaraz’s aggressive forehand and improved defensive play dictated the rallies. Alcaraz sealed the set 6-1, closing out the match with a confident service game. This win was a landmark for Alcaraz, who completed his collection of clay-court ATP Masters 1000 titles, having previously won Madrid (2022, 2023) and Monte-Carlo (2023). It also marked his second ATP Masters 1000 title of 2025, following his Indian Wells triumph earlier in the year. The victory solidified Alcaraz’s status as a leading contender for the upcoming French Open, where he has already won twice (2023, 2024). For Sinner, the loss ended an extraordinary streak that included titles at the Australian Open, Miami, and Madrid in 2025, though he remained the World No. 1. Alcaraz now leads Sinner 7-4 in their head-to-head, with a 2-1 edge on clay. Their rivalry, one of the most compelling in men’s tennis, has produced high-quality matches, including their 2024 French Open semifinal (won by Alcaraz) and 2024 Beijing final (won by Sinner). This Rome final was their 11th meeting, and Alcaraz’s performance highlighted his ability to adapt to Sinner’s flat, precise ball-striking with a blend of power, spin, and defensive scrambling. The victory earned Alcaraz 1000 ATP ranking points and approximately €960,000 in prize money, further closing the gap with Sinner in the race for the year-end No. 1 ranking. It also boosted Alcaraz’s confidence heading into Roland Garros, where he will aim to defend his title and win a fifth Grand Slam. For Sinner, the loss was a rare setback in an otherwise dominant season, but his consistency ensures he remains a favorite for the French Open. Alcaraz described the win as “special,” noting the challenge of facing Sinner in front of his home crowd. “Jannik is the best player in the world right now, so to beat him here means a lot. I’m so happy to win in Rome—it’s a tournament I’ve always wanted,” Alcaraz said in his on-court interview. Sinner, gracious in defeat, praised Alcaraz’s level: “Carlos played an unbelievable match, especially in the second set. I’ll keep working, and I’m already looking forward to Paris.”