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World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will compete at the Rome Masters for the first time after skipping it a year ago. Carlos is the leader of the ATP Race after conquering two Masters 1000 crowns this year and four titles. Alcaraz arrived in Rome after defending the Madrid Masters title and trained at Foro Italico on Thursday.
The young Spaniard met a couple of his rivals while exploring the complex and heading toward the practice court. Carlos greeted Jannik Sinner, his good friend and one of the main rivals for the title alongside Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz and Sinner have been the youngsters to watch recently, forging an entertaining rivalry since the 2021 Paris Masters and splitting victories. Carlos won their first duel in Paris in two tight sets before Jannik took charge.
The Italian scored two wins over the Spaniard within a couple of weeks in the summer of 2022 and looked good to extend his streak at the US Open. Carlos saved a match point and prevailed in a five-setter to remain on the title course, winning his first Major title a couple of days later and writing history books.
Alcaraz and Sinner met at the opening two Masters 1000 events of the new season and split wins. Carlos grabbed a 7-6, 6-3 win in Indian Wells, defending a set point on his serve at 5-6 in the opener and controlling the pace after that to advance into the title clash.
Their sixth and most recent duel came in Miami, and Sinner prevailed 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 for a place in the final.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner met in Rome ahead of their first matches.
They fought for three hours and one minute, and the Spaniard had his chance to seal the deal in straight sets.
He stole the opening set and had two break chances at 4-3 in the second. Sinner denied them and gained a boost, taking nine of the final 11 games to emerge at the top. Two young guns could meet again next week in Rome, standing among the favorites and setting a potential title clash if they both score five victories at Foro Italico.
Carlos will play his first match at the Rome Masters against his compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas. On the other hand, Jannik faces Thanasi Kokkinakis, hoping for a strong start in front of his home fans.
Buongiorno, Carlitos 🤌 🇮🇹
Behind the scenes with @carlosalcaraz as he arrives in Rome for the very first time!pic.twitter.com/Hs1WOFPgd4 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 11, 2023
