Carlos Alcaraz ends Jannik Sinner’s 26-match win streak to lift his first Italian Open title.
Carlos Alcaraz produced a stunning performance to claim his first Italian Open title, halting Jannik Sinner’s 26-match winning streak with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 victory in a gripping final in Rome.
In a contest billed as a modern rivalry reborn, the 22-year-old Spaniard delivered a near-flawless display against the world number one. Alcaraz weathered a tense first set in which Sinner held two set points, but the Italian faltered at a crucial moment, firing a backhand return wide. That misstep proved costly.
Alcaraz seized the momentum and took the opening tie-break 7-5 with a flourish. From there, he stormed through the second set with blistering pace, outmanoeuvring Sinner with clinical precision, confidence, and variety. The match concluded with a stunning cross-court volley that brought the Roman crowd to its feet.
The reigning French Open champion now holds victories in his last four matches against Sinner and adds Rome to his growing trophy haul. It’s his first Italian Open win and his 15th career title.
“I’m just really happy to get my first Rome [title], hopefully it’s not the last one,” said Alcaraz. “Seeing Jannik back playing like this after a tough few months is amazing. I’m really proud of how I approached this match mentally. From the first point to the last, I stuck to the plan.”
Sinner, playing in his first tournament since returning from a three-month doping ban, had hoped to become the first Italian man to win the home title since Adriano Panatta in 1976. And with his return run reaching the final, he showed glimpses of brilliance—especially in the opening set.
But as fatigue crept in, Sinner struggled to maintain the level required to overcome the relentless Alcaraz. “There have been a few months that weren’t easy,” Sinner admitted. “Just to be here in the final is a great result. I gave it everything I had, and it was a good test.”
Despite the loss, Sinner’s return will be seen as a promising sign by his fans and team. His 26-match streak, stretching back to October last year, remains a testament to his recent dominance—ironically ended by the same man who last beat him, Alcaraz, in Beijing.
The Italian Open crowd witnessed the birth—or perhaps the continuation—of what could become tennis’s defining rivalry of the decade. As Alcaraz celebrates another milestone, Sinner will no doubt reset with Roland Garros around the corner.
