Spain's Carlos Alcaraz delivered a masterclass at the Italian Open final on Sunday, defeating Italy's Jannik Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1 in a thrilling match that sets the stage for an electrifying French Open. The 22-year-old’s victory in Rome marks his third title of 2024 and positions him as World No. 2 ahead of Roland-Garros, where he will defend his crown.
Alcaraz’s win halted Sinner’s 26-match winning streak, a run that propelled the Italian to the top of the ATP rankings. The Spaniard remains the only player to defeat Sinner in a Tour final this year, repeating his 2023 China Open success. Despite missing the Madrid Open due to a thigh injury, Alcaraz has dominated the clay-court season, securing Masters 1000 titles in Monte-Carlo and Rome while reaching the Barcelona final.
With Roland-Garros beginning next week, Alcaraz’s performance signals a formidable challenge to rivals. Sinner, who holds three Grand Slam titles, retains his No. 1 ranking but faces renewed pressure as the tennis world shifts focus to Paris.
