As the tennis world shifts its gaze from the sun-drenched courts of Rome to the red clay of Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have reignited their electrifying rivalry with a captivating practice session in the French capital. Just days after their blockbuster Italian Open final on May 18, 2025, where Alcaraz triumphed 7-6(5), 6-1 to claim his first Rome title, the two young superstars were spotted honing their skills side-by-side on a Parisian practice court. This encounter, a prelude to the French Open starting May 25, has fans buzzing with anticipation for what could be another epic showdown between the sport’s brightest talents. With Alcaraz, the defending champion, and Sinner, the world No. 1, both in scintillating form, their practice session signals a fierce battle looming at the season’s second Grand Slam.
In Rome, Alcaraz showcased his clay-court mastery, snapping Sinner’s 26-match winning streak with a disciplined performance that blended explosive athleticism with tactical precision. “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome [title], hopefully it’s not going to be the last one,” Alcaraz said after the final, praising Sinner’s resilience. “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 and making the final of a Masters 1000 in his first tournament [back].” Sinner, returning from a three-month doping ban, had electrified his home crowd, dropping just one set en route to the final. “It’s been a great result just to be here in the final. I tried today, but that’s all I had,” he reflected, acknowledging Alcaraz’s dominance while expressing optimism for Paris. “It gives me hopefully confidence to play some good tennis also in Paris. Let’s see what’s coming out there.”
The Rome final, their 11th career meeting, saw Alcaraz extend his head-to-head lead to 7-4, including a 3-1 edge on clay. His ability to mix looping topspin, pinpoint drop shots, and relentless defense frustrated Sinner, who struggled to maintain his clinical baseline game after a grueling first set. “Tactically, since the beginning till the last ball, I didn’t lose the focus,” Alcaraz said, highlighting his mental strength. “I maintained my good level throughout the whole match.” Sinner, despite the loss, viewed the match as a valuable test. “It’s just a great test for me to see where I am,” he said before the final, noting the importance of facing Alcaraz before the Grand Slams. Their practice in Paris, captured in widely shared footage, showed both players pushing each other to the limit, with Alcaraz’s flair and Sinner’s precision on full display.
Alcaraz, 22, enters Roland Garros as the favorite, having won Monte Carlo and reached the Barcelona final earlier this season, boasting a 27-2 clay-court record over the past 12 months. His Rome victory, where he saved two set points in the first set and dominated the second, underscored his readiness to defend his 2024 French Open title. “All eyes are on Paris right now, on Roland Garros,” Alcaraz declared. “Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mix together and give [me] great confidence going to Paris.” Sinner, 23, has been equally formidable, with three Grand Slam titles and a 41-1 record in his last 42 matches. His Rome campaign, including a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Casper Ruud, proved he’s back to his best despite the layoff. “I find myself in a final, which for me is important,” Sinner said, emphasizing the significance of testing himself against Alcaraz.
Their rivalry, already one of tennis’s most compelling, is poised to define the sport’s future. “I’m not going to say I’m feeling like when Rafa and Roger are playing,” Alcaraz said, “but I’m feeling like it is a different energy when we are facing each other.” With nine of their 12 meetings requiring deciding sets, including Alcaraz’s epic five-set win in the 2024 French Open semi-final, their clashes are must-watch events. As they prepare for Paris, where Alcaraz is the top seed and Sinner the second, their practice session hints at another potential final. With Alcaraz’s clay-court prowess and Sinner’s relentless baseline game, Roland Garros could deliver another chapter in a rivalry that’s elevating tennis to new heights.
# Alcaraz and Sinner’s Parisian Practice: A Prelude to Roland Garros
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, tennis’s brightest stars, were seen practicing together in Paris ahead of the 2025 French Open, just days after their thrilling Italian Open final on May 18, where Alcaraz won 7-6(5), 6-1. The 22-year-old Spaniard, defending Roland Garros champion, ended Sinner’s 26-match winning streak with a disciplined display. “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome [title], hopefully it’s not going to be the last one,” Alcaraz said, praising Sinner’s return from a three-month doping ban. “I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level.”
Sinner, the world No. 1, reached the Rome final in his first tournament since the Australian Open, dropping just one set. “It’s been a great result just to be here in the final,” he said. “It gives me hopefully confidence to play some good tennis also in Paris.” Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 7-4, including 3-1 on clay, with their latest clash showcasing his tactical nous. “Tactically, since the beginning till the last ball, I didn’t lose the focus,” he said, noting his 27-2 clay record over the past year.
Sinner’s Rome run, including a 6-0, 6-1 win over Casper Ruud, highlighted his form. “It’s just a great test for me to see where I am,” he said before the final. Their Paris practice, filled with intense rallies, sets the stage for a potential French Open final. “All eyes are on Paris right now,” Alcaraz said. “Beating Jannik, winning Rome, both things mix together and give [me] great confidence.” With their rivalry delivering drama—nine of 12 matches went to deciding sets—Roland Garros, starting May 25, promises another epic chapter.
Top seed 1.
Top seed 2. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/AJX0peOiFA— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 23, 2025
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