As the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia kicks off at Rome’s storied Foro Italico, the tennis world is abuzz with anticipation for the return of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is back after a three-month suspension. Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 3 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, shared his heartfelt excitement about Sinner’s comeback, expressing both admiration for his rival and eagerness for a potential blockbuster clash. Speaking ahead of his second-round match, Alcaraz’s candid reflections underscored the significance of Sinner’s presence, not just for their electrifying rivalry but for the sport itself, as they prepare to battle for glory on the clay courts.
Sinner, who last competed at the Australian Open in January, where he claimed his third major title, has been absent due to a doping-related suspension that ended on May 4. His return on home soil in Rome, where he’s the top seed, marks a pivotal moment in the 2025 season. Alcaraz, who has faced Sinner 10 times since 2021, leading their head-to-head 6-4, didn’t hold back in praising the Italian’s impact. “It is great. I’m really happy to have him around again,” Alcaraz said, his voice carrying genuine warmth. “It’s been three months. Obviously for him [it] was tough and I’m pretty sure [it] was super long. I think [there isn’t] a better place to come back than here in his home, in Rome.”
The Spaniard, who is chasing his second ATP Masters 1000 title of the season after triumphing in Monte-Carlo, sees Sinner’s return as a personal challenge and a boon for tennis. “For me it’s great to have him back. Honestly, I’m gonna say I need him on the tour. Because he pushes me to be a better player, to give my 100% every day,” Alcaraz emphasized, highlighting how their rivalry fuels his drive. Their clashes, including a five-set thriller at the 2024 French Open semi-finals and an epic 2024 China Open final, have defined modern tennis, blending ferocious ball-striking with breathtaking athleticism. “Jannik is the best right now,” Alcaraz added, referencing Sinner’s near-flawless 2024, where he lost only four matches and claimed eight titles, including the ATP Finals.
Rome’s draw ensures that any Alcaraz-Sinner showdown would come in the final, as they’re seeded in opposite halves. Alcaraz, fresh off a 6-3, 6-3 win over Dusan Lajovic, faces either Alex Michelsen or Laslo Djere next, while Sinner opens against Mariano Navone or Federico Cina. “We are in different sides of the draw. Hopefully I’m going to meet him at the final,” Alcaraz said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The prospect of facing Sinner in front of Italy’s passionate fans adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially given Sinner’s 7-0 record this season and his status as the first Italian to compete in Rome as world No. 1.
Alcaraz’s own journey in Rome is fraught with challenges. After missing Madrid due to an adductor injury, he’s using the tournament to sharpen his clay game ahead of Roland Garros, where he’s the defending champion. His 24-5 record in 2025, bolstered by titles in Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo, reflects his consistency, but Rome remains a frontier—his best result here was a third-round exit in 2023. Meanwhile, Sinner, who has never passed the Rome quarter-finals, is under pressure to deliver at home, with potential clashes against Casper Ruud or Lorenzo Musetti looming.
The tennis world is also buzzing about Alcaraz’s off-court charisma, showcased in his Netflix docuseries, *Carlos Alcaraz: My Way*. “I was nervous honestly because I didn’t know how it’s going to be for the people when they watch it,” he admitted, delighted by the positive fan response. His openness, combined with Sinner’s return, has electrified Rome’s atmosphere, with fans launching Mexican waves and football star Mats Hummels spotted in the stands. As Alcaraz and Sinner prepare to light up the clay, their rivalry—described as “tennis chicken” for its hyper-aggressive style—promises to captivate, pushing both to new heights in the Eternal City.
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