Daijiworld Media Network - Rome

Rome, May 19: Carlos Alcaraz powered past Jannik Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1 in the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Sunday, halting the Italian’s return bid and capturing his seventh ATP Masters 1000 crown.

In a high-stakes showdown between two rising giants of the sport, the 22-year-old Spaniard weathered a tense first set—saving two set points—before unleashing a dominant second to end Sinner’s 26-match winning streak.

“I maintained my level throughout, mentally and tactically,” Alcaraz said post-match. “I’m proud of everything I did today.”

The win marks Alcaraz’s third ATP title of the year—after Rotterdam and Monte-Carlo—and 19th career title overall. He also becomes only the fifth man in history to win all three clay-court Masters events, joining the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Sinner, world No. 1 and fresh off his Australian Open triumph, was aiming to become the first Italian male to win in Rome since 1976. Despite a spirited start, Alcaraz’s variety and precision proved too much, as the Spaniard improved to four straight wins in their rivalry.

With Roland Garros on the horizon, Alcaraz enters Paris as a top contender. “Winning here and beating Jannik gives me a lot of confidence,” he said. “The final is not about playing—it’s about winning.”