Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz snapped world number one Jannik Sinner’s 26-match winning streak with a commanding 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 victory in the final of the Italian Open on Sunday.

The 22-year-old four-time Grand Slam champion claimed his first title in Rome, delivering a sharp tactical performance that left the local favorite without answers in the second set.

Sinner, aiming to become the first Italian man to win the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976, had two set points in the opening set but failed to convert. A misfired backhand return proved costly, allowing Alcaraz to seize momentum in the tie-break and dominate the remainder of the match.

"I'm just really happy to get my first Rome [title], hopefully it's not going to be the last one," said Alcaraz after sealing the match with a deft cross-court volley.

He also praised his opponent: "I'm just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him coming back after three months, and making the final is something insane."

After returning from a three-month doping ban, Sinner acknowledged Alcaraz’s superiority on the day: "There have been a few months that weren't easy. It's been a great result just to be here in the final. I tried today, but that's all I had."

Alcaraz had also ended Sinner's previous winning run last October in the China Open final, confirming their status as two of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Source: BBC

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