By pulling off a stunning comeback to upset Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 and guarantee a thrilling final matchup with Carlos Alcaraz at the Italian Open on Friday, Jannik Sinner preserved Italian aspirations at the Foro Italico.
The world No. 1, roared on by a home crowd, recovered from a poor opening set to continue his unbeaten run since returning from a doping suspension. Sinner has now won 26 straight matches and stands just one win away from becoming the first Italian man to win the Rome title since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
“Being in the final here is incredible,” Sinner remarked. “Carlos played great today, so I’ll have to bring my best tennis on Sunday.”
Alcaraz advanced earlier in the day after a straight-sets win over Sinner’s compatriot Lorenzo Musetti, prevailing 6-3, 7-6(4) in windy conditions. The Spaniard, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is aiming for his fourth title of the season. Alcaraz and Sinner last met in a final in Beijing last October, with Alcaraz taking that contest — the last time Sinner was beaten.
After winning in the semifinals, Alcaraz declared, “I’ll be keeping a close eye on Jannik’s match.” “It’s always a battle with him.”
Musetti, who has now lost five consecutive matches to Alcaraz, admitted the Spaniard’s top form makes him nearly unbeatable on clay — even against a player like Sinner.
“If Carlos plays at his best, he’s the favourite — even against Jannik,” said Musetti.
Sinner Turns the Tide After Shaky Star
Paul, seeded 12th, came out firing, winning the first five games in just over 20 minutes and taking the first set with ease. But the momentum quickly shifted in the second set as Sinner found his rhythm, landing his first aces and pushing Paul back with deep, aggressive hitting.
Sinner swept the second set without dropping a game and carried that dominance into the decider. After Paul double-faulted early in the third, Sinner seized control and won nine consecutive games to seal his place in Sunday’s final.
The result marks a significant return to form for Sinner, who missed three months due to a doping-related suspension agreed to with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February.
Paolini on the Verge of Historic Rome Double
In the women’s draw, Jasmine Paolini reached her second final of the week after advancing to the doubles final with partner Sara Errani. In Sunday’s doubles championship round, the Italian pair, the reigning champions in Rome, will take on Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova.
But first, Paolini will play Coco Gauff in the singles final on Saturday in an attempt to win the title. The 29-year-old, a late-career success story, is bidding for her second WTA 1000 title and aiming to become the first Italian woman to win in Rome since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.