Carlos Alcaraz ready for Jannik Sinner battle in Italian Open final and addresses Roland-Garros favourite tag heading into French Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will go head-to-head for the 11th time on Sunday, as the two players contest the Italian Open final in Rome. This is the first meeting between the pair in 2025, and an ideal opportunity for both players to size each other up ahead of Roland-Garros. The second Grand Slam of the year begins on May 25, and you can watch the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates the victory against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy during the Internazionali BNL d'Italia day twelve at Foro Italico on May 16, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz looked ahead to a tantalising battle against home favourite Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s Italian Open final, and addressed suggestions that he will be the man to beat at Roland-Garros this year.

Alcaraz advanced to the final with a 6-3 7-6(4) semi-final victory over Lorenzo Musetti, before Sinner overcame Tommy Paul 1-6 6-0 6-3 to set up a blockbuster showdown in Rome.

The Spaniard was not at his free-flowing best against Musetti, but is relishing the prospect of taking on the world No. 1 in his own backyard.

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Speaking after his victory over Musetti and before Sinner’s match against Paul, Alcaraz told the media: "It could be great, I’m not going to lie. Who knows? He’s playing great. I’ve been watching his matches. His level is really high right now.

"Every time that I play against him it is always a battle, is always really, really tough. I kind of enjoy those moments, as well. But [if] I play him in the final, it would be even more challenging playing against him at home with the people behind him, supporting him.

"It’s going to be a really difficult challenge. But let’s see."

Anticipation is growing ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 25, with all the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Alcaraz heads into the tournament as the reigning champion after winning the competition for the first time in 2024.

Despite his struggles at times on Friday, Alcaraz addressed comments from Musetti who said the Spaniard would be the favourite in the French capital.

"It is great that someone like Lorenzo, who is in the top 10, sees myself as the favourite of Roland-Garros," Alcaraz said.

"I say so many times, I don’t want to think about it. All I can say is, I’m feeling great. I have a lot of confidence right now.

"Yes, I would love to go to Roland-Garros and try to enjoy the tournament and being in Paris."

Sinner: 'Always special' to share court with Alcaraz

'Let's see what's coming' - Sinner expecting 'incredible' Rome final against Alcaraz

Video credit: TNT Sports

Sinner will also have his sights set on winning what would be a first French Open title after losing in last year’s semi-finals in five sets to Alcaraz.

The 23-year-old heads to Roland-Garros after retaining his Australian Open title in January, and is looking forward to facing his familiar adversary before the second Grand Slam of the year begins.

Speaking after his victory over Paul, he said: "We know each other quite well and now it's always special to share the court with him.

"I feel like we both know how to play against each other a little bit, so we have to be prepared tactically. Of course, small things are going to be changed this year, but it's just a great test for me, to see where I am.

"It's great for me to play against Carlos before the two [upcoming] Grand Slams [Roland-Garros and Wimbledon]. But for me, this is good, because I see where I have to improve and what I have to do better.

"But yeah, hopefully it's going to be a good match. I feel like this is the most important part. But in any case, what's coming out on Sunday? A great tournament from my side. Making such a run here, it feels good."

Watch and stream the 2025 French Open on TNT Sports and discovery+

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