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Alcaraz in Sinner’s Backyard: I’m the Best

Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world No. 3, made a bold statement by winning the Rome Masters 1000 title, defeating Italy’s hometown favorite and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 in the final, which was attended by around 11,000 spectators.

With this commanding victory, Alcaraz seemed to send a clear message to Sinner: he is the best on clay courts and ready to challenge his reign. Today, he moved up to world No. 2 in the ATP rankings.

By claiming his third title of the season, Alcaraz also issued a warning to his rivals ahead of the French Open — the second Grand Slam of the year — set to take place at Roland Garros from May 25 to June 8, where he will defend his title.

Observers now agree that Alcaraz is the best current player on clay, with 16 wins and just one loss on this surface this season — the lone defeat coming in the final of the Barcelona Open.

Indeed, the Spaniard appears to be in top form after securing the 19th title of his professional career. He has recovered from a thigh injury that kept him out of the Madrid Masters 1000. Following his first-ever title in Rome — a tournament he missed last year due to injury — he said: “Beating Jannik in the final and winning in Rome gives me a lot of confidence heading to Paris.”

He added: “As I always say, a final isn’t played, it’s won. I’m very happy.” He also praised his opponent: “I’m really glad he’s back on court. He achieved something incredible by reaching the final upon his return.”

An Incomplete Comeback

Alcaraz’s fourth consecutive win over Sinner — and seventh in their 11 encounters — came as a disappointment for the Italian, who had hoped for a perfect comeback after a three-month suspension for doping. He aimed to cap it with a title at home. His winning streak ended at 26 matches — the longest of his career — which had begun after losing the final in Beijing to Alcaraz on October 1st.

Since that defeat, Sinner had won the Shanghai Masters 1000, the ATP Finals in Turin, the Davis Cup with Italy, and the Australian Open — the first Grand Slam of the year — in January for the second time in a row.

Though he did not become the first Italian to win at “Foro Italico” since Adriano Panatta in 1976, Sinner clearly exceeded his initial goal of “winning a match or two,” as he mentioned upon arriving in Rome.

He also scored an impressive win in the quarterfinals over world No. 7 Casper Ruud — fresh off his Madrid Masters title — with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 performance.

After the final, Sinner said: “I gave everything I had in this final. I’m obviously disappointed, but I would have accepted this outcome before the tournament started. These three months (of suspension) weren’t easy, and we’re proud of ourselves.”

He added, addressing Alcaraz: “You’re definitely the man to beat. You’re clearly the strongest player at the moment.”

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