In a highly anticipated clash between two of the brightest stars of their generation, Carlos Alcaraz delivered a performance worthy of the stage, defeating Jannik Sinner 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the final of the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia. It is Alcaraz’s first title in Rome and his seventh Masters 1000 crown, confirming once again his clay-court dominance.
A first set of margins
The first set offered the kind of intensity that’s come to define the Alcaraz–Sinner rivalry. Both men held serve through the first twelve games, with Alcaraz saving two set points at 5-6. The Spaniard, who came into the match with a 6–4 head-to-head record against Sinner, was electric on key points. Alcaraz raised his game again in the tie-break. And perhaps that stroke of fate, when he hit the edge of the net, was the final straw for Sinner. Taking a mini-break from the very first point, he always looked in control. Despite losing two points on his serve, the future world No. 2 wasted no time in beating Sinner, converting his second set point on the Italian’s serve after 71 minutes of breathtaking tennis.
Alcaraz takes over
The second set saw a clear shift in momentum. With the Roman crowd still buzzing from the close first set, Alcaraz broke early to lead 2-0 and never looked back. He closed out the set 6-1 in just 34 minutes, converting 2 of 2 break points while Sinner only won 33% of points behin his first serve (only 23% of first serve).
The Spaniard finished the match with 18 winners to 32 unforced errors and won 100% of net points. Alcaraz now holds a 7–4 edge in the rivalry and has won 9 of his last 10 matches on clay. This marks his 2nd title of the year and 19th overall at just 22 years old.
A statement before paris
This victory places Alcaraz among the top favorites heading into Roland-Garros. While he missed Madris due to a forearm issue and lost in the final in Barcelona to Holger Rune, his form in Rome suggests he’s peaking at just the right moment.
“It means a lot to win here,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. “I’ve dreamed about lifting this trophy since I was a kid. Winning it against Jannik, in front of this crowd, makes it even more special.”
Despite the loss, Sinner can draw positives from his run to the final, notably his wins over Paul and his demonstration against Ruud. However, the Italian No. 1 will be hoping to fully recover his physical condition before the grueling Slam in Paris.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, leaves the Eternal City with renewed confidence and another piece of silverware, adding the Rome title to his growing list of clay achievements. With Novak Djokovic still searching for rhythm, the future of men’s clay-court tennis may already be in safe hands.