ROME  -  Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz halted Jannik Sinner’s impressive 26-match winning streak to capture the Italian Open title on Sunday in Rome. The 22-year-old World No. 2 triumphed over home favorite and World No. 1 Sinner with a commanding 7-6(5), 6-1 victory. The win not only secured Alcaraz his first Italian Open crown but also sent him to Roland Garros with confidence surging, as he prepares to defend his French Open title.Alcaraz has now won four consecutive matches against Sinner, and improved his record to 7-1 against top-10 opponents on clay. He also boasts a 3-1 record against world No. 1-ranked players — two of those wins coming against Sinner himself.

Sinner, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, was eyeing a historic moment by attempting to become only the second Italian to win the Rome title this weekend, following Jasmine Paolini’s triumph over Coco Gauff, 6-4, 6-2, in the women’s final. The 23-year-old Italian entered the tournament amid high expectations and immense home support, especially after returning from a two-month suspension for a doping violation. Despite the layoff, Sinner stormed into the final with dominant performances, including a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of No. 6 Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals and a comeback win over Tommy Paul in the semis, 1-6, 6-0, 6-3.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, displayed clinical efficiency throughout the week, ousting No. 5 Jack Draper and No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets to book his place in the final.The title match began with both players showcasing brilliant shot-making and mental toughness. Alcaraz saved multiple set points in the opening set before edging Sinner in the tiebreak with a perfectly placed forehand volley into open court.

Momentum firmly shifted in the second set. Sinner had early break chances but failed to convert. Alcaraz held for 1-0, then broke Sinner at love to go up 2-0, unleashing a stunning drop shot and forehand winner to take a 3-0 lead.Serving for the match at 5-1, Alcaraz squandered two match points but kept his nerve. On his third opportunity, he drew Sinner in with a delicate drop shot before finishing the point — and the match — with a sharp forehand volley into the open court. With this title, Alcaraz not only ends Sinner’s dominant run but also reinforces his position as a major threat heading into the clay-court Grand Slam season.