Under the Roman sun at the Foro Italico, Carlos Alcaraz delivered a tennis clinic, overpowering World No. 1 Jannik Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1 to capture his maiden Italian Open title on May 18, 2025. The 22-year-old Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion, dismantled Sinner’s 26-match winning streak in a commanding performance that sent a resounding message ahead of Roland Garros. Reflecting on his triumph, Alcaraz revealed the mindset that fueled his dominance: “The final isn’t about playing, it’s about winning,” a mantra he repeated to himself, embodying his fierce determination to conquer the moment.
The first set was a showcase of why Alcaraz and Sinner, who’ve split the last five Grand Slams, are tennis’s brightest stars. Sinner, competing in his first tournament since a three-month doping ban, matched Alcaraz’s intensity early, securing two set points at 6-5. But Alcaraz, with nerves of steel, saved both, forcing a tiebreak where his tactical acumen shone. “I maintained my good level for the whole match,” he said, proud of avoiding the emotional rollercoaster that often marks his game. Winning three mini-breaks, he clinched the tiebreak 7-5, seizing control in front of a Sinner-partisan crowd.
The second set was a masterclass in dominance. Alcaraz broke Sinner’s serve twice early, surging to a 5-0 lead with a lethal mix of blistering forehands, deft drop shots, and relentless baseline pressure. Sinner, unable to counter, managed just one game as Alcaraz sealed the match with a cross-court volley, his 19th winner of the day. “I know how I have to play against him,” Alcaraz said, referencing their 11th career clash, where he now holds a 7-4 edge. His clay-court pedigree—bolstered by titles in Monte Carlo and Roland Garros—proved decisive, as he outmaneuvered Sinner’s usually unflappable game.
Sinner, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the significance of reaching the final. “It’s been a great result just to be here in the final,” he said, reflecting on his return after a challenging layoff. His 26-match streak, which included a third Grand Slam at the Australian Open, ended, but his resilience earned respect. “On clay right now, you’re the best player,” he told Alcaraz, a testament to the Spaniard’s 15-1 clay record this season. Alcaraz reciprocated, praising Sinner’s comeback: “I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back from three months without playing.”
The victory, Alcaraz’s seventh ATP Masters 1000 title, propels him back to World No. 2 and positions him as the favorite to defend his Roland Garros crown, starting May 25. “Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mixed together give you a great confidence ahead of Paris,” he said, his eyes already on the next prize. With 29 match wins in 2025, the most on tour, Alcaraz’s dominance is undeniable, yet he remains humble. “I’m hoping it will not be the last one,” he said of his Rome title, thanking the Italian fans for their support when he wasn’t facing their home heroes.
This final wasn’t just a match—it was a defining moment in a rivalry shaping tennis’s future. Alcaraz’s blend of flair, power, and mental fortitude overwhelmed Sinner’s precision, but both elevated the sport to new heights. As Alcaraz celebrated, the Rome crowd, though heartbroken, witnessed a performance for the ages. With Roland Garros on the horizon, Alcaraz’s words echo: in finals, winning is everything, and he’s proving he’s wired for greatness.
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