The 2025 Italian Open offered a thrilling prelude to Roland Garros, as the ATP’s top stars battled on the red clay of Foro Italico. Here are five key names who shaped the narrative in Rome.
Winner – Jannik Sinner
Coming off a three-month ban since the Australian Open in January, Jannik Sinner showed no signs of rust in Rome. The Italian No. 1 cruised through the draw, defeating Navone, De Jong, Cerundolo, Ruud (in just 1 hour) and Tommy Paul (after being beaten a 1-6 by the American in the first set) en route to the final. Though he lost the final to Alcaraz, his first set against the Spaniard and all this tournament confirmed his status as one of the French Open favorites.
Loser – Alexander Zverev
The defending champion and one of the pre-tournament favorites, Alexander Zverev couldn’t make it past the quarterfinals this time, losing to Lorenzo Musetti 7–6 (1), 6–4 in a match that highlighted his ongoing struggles against more versatile clay-court players. Zverev won just 59% and 50% of points behind his serves and didn’t manage to convert 3 break point opportunities. His baseline game lacked depth and precision, particularly in key rallies where Musetti’s variation forced him into uncomfortable positions. With just two wins over a top-20 opponent on clay this season, questions remain about Zverev’s readiness for the pressure and intensity of Roland Garros where he reached the final in 2024.
Winner – Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz capped a stunning return to form in Rome after a withdrawal in Madrid by capturing his fourth Masters 1000 title on clay. His 7–6 (5), 6–1 win over Sinner in the final was a statement performance, especially in the second set in which he managed to do almost everything at the Italian. Alcaraz dropped only 1 set all tournament and moves to World No. 2, a position that will give him an advantage to defend his title in Paris where he will be eagerly awaited.
Loser – Stefanos Tsitsipas
Perhaps better was expected of the Greek, who is so comfortable on clay. Unfortunately, since the start of Monte Carlo, he has never been able to string together 3 wins. Worse still, he has won just 1 match in Madrid and Rome, leaving him ranked 20th in the world. His last match even ended in a tiff with Fils, as the Greek won a point by hitting Fils on the body as he went straight down the middle of the court with a backhand.
Lorenzo Musetti – Winner
Musetti produced one of the most memorable tennis of the tournament by reaching the semifinals. The Italian local defeated Medvedev and Zverev in two matches with a certain ease. He didn’t lose a single set until the semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz, when he unfortunately fell behind on his 2nd points, winning 27% of them. His recent performances, including the final in Monte Carlo and semi-finals in Madrid and Rome, put him in an excellent position ahead of the French Open.
