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Star tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, May 18 defeated rival Jannik Sinner in two straight sets to clinch the Italian Open title in Rome. The Spaniard defeated his arch-rival 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 to come out victorious in the summit clash in Rome ahead of the Roland Garros.
The win was crucial for the Spanish international, who took home his third title of the season after entering his fourth final in the ongoing season. With a win, Carlos Alcaraz has climbed to world number two position, sitting behind Sinner. Moreover, Alcaraz is now the only man to beat Sinner in a tour final since the start of 2024.
Moreover, the 22-year-old went on to claim his seventh ATP Masters honour, adding to his big titles collection to make it 11. According to ATP, Alcaraz now has the joint-eighth most Masters 1000 titles in history with Michael Chang and Alexander Zverev. Apart from seven Masters 1000 tournaments, Alcaraz has also won four Grand Slams.
Hopefully, it’s not going to be my last one: Carlos Alcaraz after Rome win
“I am really happy to get my first title in Rome. Hopefully, it’s not going to be my last one. All eyes are on Paris now, on Roland Garros,” Alcaraz said after his title triumph. “Beating Jannik, winning Rome - both things together give me great confidence heading into Paris. I always say, 'The final is not about playing, the final is about winning'. I just repeat that approach every time I play a final,” he added.
Moreover, the 22-year-old Spaniard also praised his opponent while adding that he is happy to see him back on court. “The first thing I want to say is that I'm just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him coming back after three months and reaching the final of a Masters 1000 in his first tournament back. It's something incredible, so I have to congratulate him,” Alcaraz added.
