Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are set to add an 11th chapter to their already historic rivalry. The two have a combined age of just 45, but they are already at the peak of their powers. By making the finals of the Italian Open, Alcaraz is confirmed to return to the World No. 2 ranking going into Roland Garros. As a result, both he and Sinner won’t square off against each other in the French capital before the final.
Hence, this meeting at the Italian Open could be a sign of things to come in the next few weeks. Alcaraz took down Lorenzo Musetti in two sets, denying the Olympic bronze medalist a chance to secure an all-Italian final with Sinner. On the other hand, the World No. 1 had a shaky start against Tommy Paul, but lost only four games in the second and third sets to win 1-6 6-0 6-3. This is his 26th straight win on the ATP Tour.
What Did Jannik Sinner Say About the Match?
Speaking in the post-match press conference at the Italian Open, Sinner was pumped up about the matchup against Alcaraz. According to the Tennis Letter, the World No.1 said, “Yeah, different feeling. We know each other quite well now. It’s always special to share the court with him. I feel like we both know how to play against each other a little bit, so we have to be prepared tactically. Of course, small things are going to be changed.
“This, yes. But it’s just a great test for me to see where I am. It’s great for me to play against Carlos before the two Grand Slams. That for me is good because I see where I have to improve, what I have to do better. But yeah, hopefully it’s going to be a good match. I feel like this is the most important part. Yeah, but in any case, what’s coming out Sunday, a great tournament from my side, making such a run here, it feels good.”
Head-To-Head
This is their first match against each other since the China Open final last year, where Alcaraz triumphed in a final-set tiebreaker. Astonishingly, that is the last match that Sinner has lost. Moreover, this is also the first time the two will collide in a Masters 1000 final. Their last clay court meeting was at the Roland Garros semifinal last year, where the Spaniard prevailed in five sets after trailing two sets to one. Alcaraz eventually won the title after edging Alexander Zverev in another five-set classic.
Interestingly, Alcaraz is the only player that Sinner hasn’t overcome since the start of the 2024 season. The duo have met each other thrice on the ATP Tour last year, with the four-time Grand Slam champion prevailing on all occasions. All of their matches have produced high-quality tennis. If their history is anything to go by, we could see another titanic three-set affair in Rome on Sunday.
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