Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance in Rome as he defeated top seed Jannik Sinner to secure the Italian Open title on Sunday, ending Sinner’s 26-match winning streak. The Spanish tennis star sealed the championship with a 7-6(5) 6-1 victory in front of a full house at the Foro Italico, handing the Italian favorite a painful loss on home soil.
The clash opened with a highly competitive first set where both players exchanged powerful baseline shots. Alcaraz edged the set in a close tiebreak, maintaining composure and tactical sharpness under pressure. But it was in the second set where he truly asserted dominance, leaving the Roman crowd stunned as he raced ahead with relentless precision.
Speaking after the match, a thrilled Alcaraz reflected on his mindset. “I’m really proud of how I approached this final mentally. From the first point to the last, I played the kind of tennis I planned. Winning in Rome means a lot, and I hope this is just the beginning,” he said in his on-court interview.
This triumph marked Alcaraz’s first Italian Open title and added to his growing list of accolades, giving him a major confidence boost ahead of the upcoming French Open where he is preparing to defend his title. With this latest win, Alcaraz has now defeated Sinner in their last four encounters, positioning himself as a clear frontrunner on clay.
For Jannik Sinner, the loss was particularly bittersweet. Returning to competition after a three-month doping ban, this tournament was his first since clinching the Australian Open title in January. He had hoped to deliver a historic victory for Italy, aiming to become the first Italian man to win the Rome title since Adriano Panatta in 1976. Unfortunately, his comeback fell short at the final hurdle.
In his post-match remarks, Sinner acknowledged the support of his family and team. “After being away for three months, reaching the final here means a lot. I’m grateful to my team and my family. A special thanks to my brother, even though he chose to watch Formula 1 in Imola instead of coming here,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
Alcaraz’s win not only marks a career milestone but also sends a powerful message to his rivals on the tour. With the French Open just around the corner, his form and mental toughness make him a top contender for the Roland Garros crown.
