Italy’s Jannik Sinner reacts throughout his males’s singles remaining match in opposition to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz for the ATP Rome Open tennis match at Foro Italico in Rome on Could 18, 2025. (Picture by Tiziana FABI / AFP)
Jannik Sinner mentioned he was happy together with his stage regardless of dropping the Italian Open remaining to Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday in his first match since a three-month doping ban.
Alcaraz fought off two set factors late within the opening set earlier than taking management of the match and clinching his first Rome title with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 victory.
READ: Carlos Alcaraz downs Sinner to win Italian Open in Roland Garros warning
The loss ended Sinner’s 26-match successful streak as Alcaraz, who had been the final participant to beat the Italian in Beijing final 12 months, made it 4 wins in a row over the world primary.
“First set for certain was somewhat little bit of a game-changer. However speaking normal, very completely satisfied about this match. It offers me then hopefully confidence to play some good tennis additionally in Paris,” mentioned Sinner.
Earlier than Rome, the 23-year-old had not performed since retaining his Australian Open crown on the finish of January. He served a a lot mentioned doping ban for testing constructive twice in March final 12 months for traces of clostebol, a contamination doping authorities settle for was unintended.
“After three months coming right here making this outcome means so much to me,” Sinner mentioned on Sunday.
“It’s one thing very, very particular taking part in right here in Italy, in Rome. They choose me up like a small baby, no? The assist was superb.
READ: Pope meets Sinner: Jannik offers Pope Leo XIV a racket
“For certain there are some issues like we noticed right now what we’ve got to enhance if we need to do good in Paris. I’m nearer than anticipated in a manner of every little thing. However within the different manner, it was good. It was an important week for me.
“Some matches (I performed) extremely effectively, some matches might be higher. However that is tennis. It’s loads of ups and downs. However no, every little thing collectively, it was a superb, good match.”
Alcaraz prolonged his head-to-head edge over Sinner to 7-4, a file which features a thrilling five-set win within the semi-finals at Roland Garros 12 months in the past.
Sinner had initially signed as much as play subsequent week in Hamburg, the place 2024 French Open finalist Alexander Zverev will function, however the Italian as an alternative plans to take some additional relaxation after a formidable return on the Foro Italico.
“If I’d return, I’d play a few factors in several manner, that’s for certain. I’m missing some matches,” mentioned Sinner, who couldn’t convert a pair of set factors with Alcaraz serving at 5-6 within the first set.
“There’s no excuses, although. It’s simply that what I really feel, if I’d play them once more, I’d play them in several methods.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
“I performed the utmost of matches right here in Rome, which is excellent. Now I’ve one week off, which is nice for me. A few days to modify off mentally, after which being prepared for an much more vital match.”
