Carlos Alcaraz of Spain swept past home favorite Jannik Sinner of Italy 7-6(5), 6-1 in Sunday's Italian Open final in Rome, firing a warning shot for the upcoming French Open at Roland-Garros.
The victory lifted Alcaraz to World No. 2 on Monday behind Sinner, marking his third title of the year ahead of the season's second Grand Slam.
He claimed victory in his fourth final of the campaign, sending a clear message to the men's tour as he prepares to defend his title at Roland-Garros.
Sinner remains world No. 1, but his 26-match winning streak was ended by Alcaraz, the last player to beat him in a Tour final after toppling him in last year's China Open.
Alcaraz is the only opponent to defeat Sinner in a Tour final since the start of 2024, when his Italian rival rose to the top with three major titles.
The 22-year-old Spaniard has enjoyed a hugely impressive clay-court swing despite a thigh injury that ruled him out of the Madrid Open.
His Rome triumph marked his second Masters 1000 title of the year after Monte-Carlo and followed a finals run in Barcelona, underscoring his red-court dominance.
All eyes now turn to Roland-Garros, where Alcaraz will seek to protect his French Open crown and add another Grand Slam to his 2024 haul.
Reference(s):
Alcaraz tops Sinner to win Italian Open and send Roland-Garros warning
cgtn.com
