Carlos Alcaraz hails Jannik Sinner 'aura' after Rome final, says he is 'more focused' against world No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz says Jannik Sinner has an "aura" that brings out the best in him after beating the world No. 1 to win the Italian Open.

Alcaraz saved two set points in the opening set as he beat Sinner 7-6(5) 6-1 to lift the title in Rome.

The win was Alcaraz’s fourth in a row against Sinner, who was unbeaten in 26 matches and hadn’t lost since his previous defeat to Alcaraz on October 2.

"I think today was a great level for both of us, especially the first set," said Alcaraz. 

"It was really, really tight, serving two set points. I knew at the beginning, the matches against Jannik are always really tactical matches. I think today I started the match really well.

"Tactically from the beginning until the last ball, I didn't lose focus, which is great for me. [It was] probably one of the best matches I played so far in terms of level, so I'm just really proud about that.

"He's the best player in the world. It doesn't matter that he was out of the tour for three months. Every tournament he's playing, he plays great. The numbers are there. I mean, he wins almost every match he plays. That's why I'm even more focused when I play against him. If I don't play at my best, 10 out of 10, it's going to be impossible to beat him. That's why I'm more focused when I'm playing against him, or I feel a little bit different when I'm going to face him than other players.

"He has that aura. When you're seeing him on the other side of the net, it's different. That's why obviously I'm feeling that the people are putting so much, let's say - how can I say - pressure in a certain way to both of us when we are facing each other."

Victory in Rome was Alcaraz’s seventh Masters 1000 title and sets him up perfectly for the French Open, which starts on Sunday, May 25, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Alcaraz will be the defending champion in Paris and will be seeded second, meaning he can only meet Sinner in the final.

"Winning tournaments, lifting trophies gives you a lot of confidence coming to the next tournaments," added Alcaraz.

"Masters 1000s give you a lot of confidence [in] yourself just to know that you are on the right path, in the right way, playing great tennis.

"I'm just excited about what's to come for me. But that means that I'm doing the right things and I'm going to keep doing the right things, the right work, just coming to Paris."

Sinner was playing his first tournament since returning to the ATP Tour following a three-month ban.

Although he didn’t lift the title in front of his home fans, he said he was "closer than expected" having not played since the Australian Open.

"First set for sure was a little bit of a game-changer. But talking generally, [I am] very happy about this tournament," he said.

"It gives me hopefully confidence to play some good tennis also in Paris. Let's see what's coming out there.

"But after three months, coming here, making this result means a lot to me, a lot to my team also. We worked a lot to be here. Happy also with my family and everything.

"I am closer than expected in a way of everything. But in the other way, it was good. It was a great week for me. Some matches incredibly well, some matches could be better. But this is tennis. It's a lot of ups and downs."

- - -

Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+