In the golden glow of a Roman sunset on May 18, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz stood triumphant at the Foro Italico, clutching his maiden Italian Open trophy after a commanding 7-6(5), 6-1 victory over world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s performance was a dazzling display of clay-court mastery, snapping Sinner’s 26-match winning streak and cementing Alcaraz’s status as the favorite to defend his Roland Garros title. Amid the roar of the Italian crowd and the weight of this career-defining moment, one voice carried special significance: that of Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, who sent a heartfelt message to his compatriot, celebrating Alcaraz’s heroics and their shared Spanish legacy.
The final was a spectacle of contrasting styles—Alcaraz’s explosive creativity against Sinner’s clinical precision. The first set, a 70-minute tug-of-war, saw Sinner, buoyed by a sea of orange-clad fans chanting his name, push Alcaraz to the edge with two set points at 5-6, 15-40. But Alcaraz, with the poise of a seasoned champion, clawed back, forcing a backhand error from Sinner and sealing the tiebreak with a breathtaking backhand drop volley. “I’m just proud of myself—the way I approached the match, mentally in terms of hitting shots, tactically I think it did pretty well from the first point until the last one,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on his ability to stay focused under pressure. The second set was a masterclass, as Alcaraz broke Sinner twice early, his forehand volleys and pinpoint control leaving the Italian reeling. By the time the match clock ticked just under two hours, Alcaraz had secured his seventh ATP Masters 1000 title and his third of the 2025 season.
Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024 after a storied 23-year career, watched Alcaraz’s triumph from afar. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has long seen Alcaraz as the heir to his clay-court throne, shared a poignant message on social media. “Congratulations, Carlos, on an incredible victory in Rome!” Nadal wrote in Spanish. “Your passion and strength on the court remind us all why we love this sport. Keep shining, and know that Spain is proud of you as you head to Paris!” The message, laced with admiration, underscored the bond between the two Spaniards, who partnered in doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics and share a mutual respect forged through their shared heritage and love for the red dirt.
Alcaraz’s victory in Rome was more than just a title; it was a historic milestone. With an 82-3 clay-court record in 2025, he became the fifth man to win all three Masters 1000 clay events—Monte Carlo, Madrid, and now Rome—joining the elite ranks of Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gustavo Kuerten, and Marcelo Rios. At 22 years and two days old, he is also the fifth-youngest player in the Open Era to secure 10 or more ATP titles on clay, trailing only Mats Wilander, Nadal, Kent Carlsson, and Bjorn Borg. “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome [title], hopefully it’s not going to be the last one,” Alcaraz said, his eyes already fixed on Roland Garros, where he aims to defend his crown starting May 25.
The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry, now at 7-4 in the Spaniard’s favor, has become the heartbeat of men’s tennis. Alcaraz has won their last four encounters, including this final and the 2024 China Open. Yet, he was quick to praise Sinner’s resilience, especially given the Italian’s return from a three-month anti-doping suspension. “I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level,” Alcaraz said. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back after three months and making the final of a Masters 1000 in his first tournament [back]. It’s something insane.” Sinner, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Alcaraz’s dominance on clay, saying, “On clay right now, you’re the best player.”
For Alcaraz, Nadal’s message was a reminder of the legacy he carries. In April, after reaching the Barcelona Open final, Alcaraz spoke of his reverence for Nadal, saying, “I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week.” Now, with Nadal’s words of encouragement ringing in his ears, Alcaraz is poised to chase further glory in Paris. “All eyes are on Paris now,” he declared. “Beating Jannik, a win in Rome, both things mixed together give you great confidence ahead of Paris.” As the tennis world watches, Alcaraz carries not just Spain’s hopes but the torch of a new era, lit by the legend who came before him.
# Rafael Nadal’s Heartfelt Message to Carlos Alcaraz After Italian Open Victory
## Match Recap
On May 18, 2025, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1 in the Italian Open final, claiming his first Rome title. The victory ended Sinner’s 26-match winning streak and marked Alcaraz’s seventh ATP Masters 1000 title.
## Key Highlights
– **First Set**: Alcaraz saved two set points at 5-6, 15-40, forcing a tiebreak. He clinched it with a spectacular backhand drop volley after 70 minutes.
– **Second Set**: Alcaraz dominated, breaking Sinner twice to lead 5-0, sealing the match in under two hours.
– **Historic Feat**: Alcaraz became the fifth man to win all three Masters 1000 clay events, joining Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gustavo Kuerten, and Marcelo Rios.
## Nadal’s Message
Rafael Nadal, who retired in November 2024, congratulated Alcaraz via social media: “Congratulations, Carlos, on an incredible victory in Rome! Your passion and strength on the court remind us all why we love this sport. Keep shining, and know that Spain is proud of you as you head to Paris!”
## Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry
– Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 7-4, winning their last four meetings.
– Alcaraz praised Sinner’s return: “I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back after three months.”
– Sinner on Alcaraz: “On clay right now, you’re the best player.”
## Quotes
– Alcaraz on his performance: “I’m just proud of myself—the way I approached the match, mentally in terms of hitting shots, tactically I think it did pretty well from the first point until the last one.”
– On Roland Garros: “All eyes are on Paris now. Beating Jannik, a win in Rome, both things mixed together give you great confidence ahead of Paris.”
– On Rome: “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome [title], hopefully it’s not going to be the last one.”
## Road to Roland Garros
With a 15-1 clay record in 2025, Alcaraz is the favorite to defend his French Open title. Nadal’s message adds emotional weight as Alcaraz aims to honor his idol’s legacy in Paris.
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