Italy’s Jannik Sinner reacts throughout his males’s singles last match towards Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz for the ATP Rome Open tennis match at Foro Italico in Rome on Could 18, 2025. (Photograph by Tiziana FABI / AFP)
Jannik Sinner mentioned he was happy along with his degree regardless of shedding the Italian Open last 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.
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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 a bit 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 end result means loads to me,” Sinner mentioned on Sunday.
“It’s one thing very, very particular taking part in right here in Italy, in Rome. They decide me up like a small baby, no? The help was wonderful.
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“For certain there are some issues like we noticed in the present day what we’ve got to enhance if we wish to do good in Paris. I’m nearer than anticipated in a manner of all the pieces. However within the different manner, it was good. It was an amazing week for me.
“Some matches (I performed) extremely properly, some matches could possibly be higher. However that is tennis. It’s a whole lot of ups and downs. However no, all the pieces collectively, it was a very good, good match.”
Alcaraz prolonged his head-to-head edge over Sinner to 7-4, a report 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 characteristic, 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.
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“I performed the utmost of matches right here in Rome, which is superb. Now I’ve one week off, which is nice for me. A few days to change off mentally, after which being prepared for an much more essential match.”
