Sat May 17 16:30:00 UTC 2025: **Sinner and Alcaraz Set Up Showdown in Italian Open Final**
**ROME** – Jannik Sinner, in his return to competition after a controversial three-month doping ban, and Carlos Alcaraz are set to clash in a highly anticipated Italian Open final. Sinner advanced after a hard-fought semifinal victory over Tommy Paul, winning 1-6, 6-0, 6-3. Alcaraz secured his spot by defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (4).
The final marks Sinner’s first tournament since winning the Australian Open in January. He is aiming to become the first Italian man to win the Rome title since 1976.
Sunday’s match will be the first encounter between Sinner and Alcaraz since October, where Alcaraz won in a third-set tiebreaker. Alcaraz holds a 6-4 advantage in their career head-to-head and has won the last three meetings. Sinner, however, is currently riding a 26-match winning streak.
Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge of facing Sinner in front of his home crowd, stating, “His level is really high right now.”
Sinner admitted to dealing with a blister on his foot and some leg tightness, but dismissed any concerns about his fitness for the final.
The Italian Open marks the last major tournament before the French Open, which begins on May 25. Alcaraz has had a strong clay-court season, winning the Monte Carlo Masters and finishing as runner-up in the Barcelona Open. He was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to an injury.
In the women’s competition, Coco Gauff will face Jasmine Paolini in the singles final. Paolini and her partner Sara Errani also advanced to the women’s doubles final.
First Piper 