Against Alcaraz: Sinner reaches for the crown of Paris

Jannik Sinner will be in the final of the French Open for the first time on Sunday (15 p.m.) – and will face his long-time rival Carlos Alcaraz.

June 08, 2025

From: do

It's the final many have been hoping for: Jannik Sinner versus Carlos Alcaraz – the current No. 1 versus the No. 2 in the world of tennis. When the first rally takes place at 15 p.m. on Sunday at Roland Garros, not only a Grand Slam title will be at stake, but also dominance in a new era of men's tennis. For the first time, the South Tyrolean and the Spaniard will meet in a major final – the excitement and significance of this duel could hardly be greater.

For the Sexten native, the Paris final is the next milestone in an already historic year. Following his triumph at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year – his second consecutive Melbourne title – Sinner followed up impressively at Roland Garros. Six matches, six wins, and not a single set lost: The 22-year-old appears to be at the peak of his game mentally and physically – even after his three-month suspension.

Novak Djokovic also couldn't stop the Sextner. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

In the semifinal against tennis legend Novak Djokovic, he showed nerves of steel, fending off several set points, and controlling the match for long stretches. It was his 20th consecutive Grand Slam victory—a mark that already puts him close to legends like John McEnroe and Björn Borg.

Alcaraz as the last hurdle

Alcaraz, on the other hand, had a much tougher time reaching the final. The Spaniard dropped sets in four of his six matches, and despite leading in the semifinals, he benefited from Lorenzo Musetti's injury-related retirement. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old, who aims to defend his title in Paris, remains a dangerous opponent—especially on clay, his favorite surface.

The fact that he has won the last four duels against Sinner, including the Rome final a few weeks ago, gives him additional momentum. But the South Tyrolean remains unfazed: "A Grand Slam final against Carlos – that's a special moment. We know each other well, we respect each other, and we know that we make each other better."

Carlos Alcaraz wants to defend his title. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Alcaraz is also generous with his praise: "Sinner is the best right now. What he's playing here is impressive." Despite this recognition, it's clear that the two will give each other no quarter on the court. For both, it's about more than just a title. Alcaraz could win his fifth Grand Slam with another major title, Sinner his fourth – and his first in Paris.

SportNews.bz will accompany the final with a live ticker.