On Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz reminded us why he is the best show in sports. He then took out home favorite Jannik Sinner by a dominant 7-6, 6-1 line for his first Italian Open title. This win represents a watershed moment for Alcaraz. As he prepares for the next French Open, where he’ll seek to defend his title.
The final played out at Italy’s famous Foro Italico in Rome, and Alcaraz was as solid as ever. He did all of that while playing at an extremely high level for the full 3+ hour contest, routinely answering Sinner’s challenges. Crucially, Alcaraz saved two set points while serving at 5-6 in the opening set. This moment proved crucial as he built on his momentum for the rest of the match.
“I didn’t do a rollercoaster. I maintained my good level throughout the whole match, so I’m really proud about everything I did today,” Alcaraz stated after his victory. His remarkable ability to stay focused and composed under pressure was key to his success.
In the second set, Alcaraz emphatically swept Sinner aside on his way to closing out the title and bagging his seventh Masters 1000 title. This victory, in addition to demonstrating the depth of Alcaraz’s prodigious skills, marks the stop of Sinner’s extraordinary 26-association unbeaten streak. Since winning the Australian Open in January and briefly becoming World No. 1, Sinner had just recently returned to competition, making this defeat all the more shocking.
Alcaraz expressed pride in his mental approach to the match, saying, “I’m proud of myself, with the way I approached the match mentally.” That confidence will only help him as he sails next to Paris for the small matter of the French Open.
Alcaraz took another step when he experienced a wave of relief, having reported no indications of the adductor injury that had kept him from making his debut in the draw. Last month, an injury caused him to pull out of his first round match in Madrid. “The final is not about playing, the final is about winning,” he added, emphasizing the importance of triumph over mere participation.
No doubt as Alcaraz contemplates his improbable run in Rome, he’s dreaming big. Personally, he hopes this title is not his last in the Italian capital. “I’m very pleased to win my first title in Rome,” he said, looking forward to more glory ahead.
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