By Tony Fairbairn
- Jannik Sinner [1] v Carlos Alcaraz [3]
- H2H: Alcaraz leads 6-4
ROME, ITALY – Jannik Sinner aims for home glory as he takes on the in-form Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster Rome final that will act as a preview for Roland Garros.
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Jannik Sinner [1] v Carlos Alcaraz [3] H2H & Match Fundamentals
World number one Jannik Sinner has had the perfect return to tennis after a three month suspension so far but that almost went up in smoke during his three set victory over Tommy Paul in the semi-finals. Now Sinner will aim to recover and improve his level as he targets a first Masters 1000 title on clay. Standing in Sinner’s way is close rival Carlos Alcaraz after the Spaniard produced another dominant display to defeat Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets.
| Jannik Sinner [1] v Carlos Alcaraz [3] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 6-4 |
| Rome 2025 | Rome, Italy |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: €523,870/€985,030 |
| Third on Campo Centrale (Not before 16:00 BST) | Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required |
Both players have had blips along the way but ultimately have proven too strong for their opponents as they build momentum towards Roland Garros.
Jannik Sinner [1] route to the final
R1: BYE
R2: Mariano Navone 6-3 6-4
R3: Jesper De Jong [LL] 6-4 6-2
R4: Francisco Cerundolo [17] 7-6(2) 6-3
QF: Casper Ruud [6] 6-0 6-1
SF: Tommy Paul [11] 1-6 6-0 6-3
Carlos Alcaraz [3] route to the final
R1: BYE
R2: Dusan Lajovic [Q] 6-3 6-3
R3: Laslo Djere 7-6(2) 6-2
R4: Karen Khachanov [23] 6-3 3-6 7-5
QF: Jack Draper [5] 6-4 6-4
SF: Lorenzo Musetti [8] 6-3 7-6(4)
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (Last 52 Weeks)
| H2H: | Jannik Sinner (WR 1) | Carlos Alcaraz (WR 3) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Quarter-Final (2022) | R2 (2023) |
| 1st Serve % | 61.3 | 64.7 |
| Service Games Won % | 90.8 | 84.3 |
| Break Points Saved % | 70.2 | 63.5 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 56.9 | 54.2 |
| Break Points Converted % | 41.4 | 43.4 |
Alcaraz’s efficiency on return will be tested against Sinner’s authoritative serving with both players displaying incredible composure in crucial points this week.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After a three month suspension, Sinner has picked up where he left off and is into his second final of the season.
The Italian will now hope to win his first Masters 1000 title on clay and will look to do it on home soil in front of his friends and family.
Ahead of the final Sinner reflected on his past rivalry with Alcaraz and dismissed injury concerns ahead of the blockbuster meeting.
“We know each other quite well now,” Sinner told the ATP website.
“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. But it’s just a great test for me to see where I am.
“If I want to win Sunday I need to play my best tennis for sure. Carlos played some incredible tennis today, so let’s see what is coming. From my side, it is incredible to be in the final.
“Since the third round I have had a small blister under my foot. It doesn’t allow me that well to move in some moments. Today I felt it more than yesterday. And with the leg I am not concerned, it was just a bit tight, that is normal. I have to take care of this blister but there is no excuses. With the adrenaline there will be a lot of energy and for Sunday I am 100 per cent not concerned.”
As mentioned in the final Sinner will face Alcaraz in what is their 11th meeting after the Spaniard cruised past Musetti.
The Spaniard has reached the final in all three clay court events he has played this season and would love to win a second clay court title this season ahead of his Roland Garros title defence.
Speaking ahead of the final Alcaraz spoke about the prospect of facing Sinner and admits he still tries to improve his decision-making on the court.
“It could be great, I’m not going to lie,” Alcaraz excitingly told the ATP website.
“He’s playing great. I’ve been watching his matches. His level is really high right now. Every time that I play against him is always a battle, is always really, really tough. I kind of enjoy those moments, as well.
“Sometimes it’s difficult because sometimes when I see the ball coming, a lot of things come to my mind. Sometimes it’s difficult to choose the right decision. But I’m trying to improve that part of my game, trying not to think too much and do the right things always, even if it is not the brilliant shot or the brilliant decision.”
Sinner will need to be aggressive on serve and will need to be a bit more stable than he was against Paul if he wants any chance of winning this match.
Meanwhile Alcaraz will look to use the forehand to move the Italian from side to side as he will take advantage of any short second serves.
This match will be about who can maintain their momentum and level more consistently as Sinner’s lack of match play will be tested here.
If Alcaraz can keep his composure then the Spaniard should edge to victory and secure a first Rome title.
Prediction: Alcaraz in three sets.
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