Jannik Sinner (right) and Carlos Alcaraz face off in the final. © AFP / ALAIN JOCARD

Before the Rome final: “Sinner? We’re not friends”

It's the final everyone has dreamed of: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will battle it out for the title in Rome on Sunday, starting at 17 p.m. Before the final, the Spaniard added some extra urgency to the match with some statements.

18 May 2025

From: det

Before his comeback tournament in Rome, Jannik Sinner offered some deep insights. Among other things, he spoke about the support (or lack of support) in the tennis scene. "I've received messages from tennis players I wouldn't have expected. And nothing from those I actually expected," he said at the press conference before the tournament began.

Sinner didn't mention any names, but his words were remembered. And so it was no surprise that Carlos Alcaraz, before the grand finale in Rome (Sunday, 17 p.m. in the SportNews-Liveticker) was questioned about it. And the Spaniard replied: "No, I didn't speak to him during his suspension." Alcaraz also added: "I have a good relationship with him off the pitch, but we're not close friends."

“In the end, everyone looks out for themselves.” Carlos Alcaraz

The four-time Grand Slam winner from Murcia explained his statements: "In the end, everyone looks out for themselves here. We get along well, but I can't have a close relationship with someone I want to beat on the court. We're rivals. I can understand that he's a bit bitter that one or two people haven't contacted him, but that's just how it is in this sport." At the same time, Alcaraz added, "I'm happy he's back and doing well."

Respect yes, friendship no

These are statements that make it clear: There's undoubtedly respect for the opponent. But: Jannik is a rival to Carlos, not a friend. In any case, it's going to be an absolute treat, taking place on Sunday at 17 p.m. at the Foro Italico.

World No. 1: Jannik Sinner. © AFP / BERTRAND GUAY

Sinner won the last clash between the two superstars when he defeated Alcaraz at the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia last October. However, the Spaniard won the last official match to date: On October 2, 2024, Alcaraz won the final in Beijing in three sets. This, incidentally, was Sinner's last defeat on the tennis tour.