Jannik Sinner gracious in defeat following Italian Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz claimed a convincing 7-6(5), 6-1 win over Sinner in Rome in the latest installment in the pair's captivating rivalry.

With his third title of the season, Alcaraz improved his clay record in 2025 to an outstanding 15-1 after he won the Monte Carlo Masters and finished as a runner-up in Barcelona. He missed the Madrid Masters due to injury.

Alcaraz, who is the reigning French Open champion, has strengthen his status as the favourite to triumph at Roland Garros this year.

Sinner, meanwhile, was playing just his second tournament of the year and his first since defending his Australian Open crown in January. The world No 1 was unable to compete between February 9 and May 4 due to a ban for failing two doping tests in March 2024.

The Italian's loss to Alcaraz snapped his 26-match winning streak stretching back to October 2024.

"Carlos, well done to you and your team," Sinner told the media.

"You will definitely be the favourite when we get to Paris. You are the strongest player on clay. Congratulations to you and good luck for the rest of the season.

"I'd like to thank my team. There have been a few months that weren't easy. It's been a great result just to be here in the final. We trained a lot. We can be proud of the results we achieved. We didn't win the final but we are happy with this trophy. It's been a great success since we came here.

"[Jasmine] Paolini won singles and doubles with [Sara] Errani. Lorenzo [Musetti] and I did our part on the men's side. Italians, we hope you're happy with this tournament.

"Special thank you to my brother who, rather than being here, is in Imola watching Formula 1 (laughs).

"Thanks to all the people who came to this tournament. You gave me a lot of energy and encouragement. I tried today but that's all I had. It was a good test. Thanks to everyone."

Meanwhile, Alcaraz was equally congratulatory.

"You've been out from the tour for three months," he said.

"I can't imagine how tough and difficult it was for you, your family, your team and coming back to tour here at your home, a really special tournament for you, I know it.

"Making such a great performance the whole tournament, making the tournament here, I have to congratulate you because it's amazing what you've done with your team.

"I'm not gonna get tired of saying how much of an amazing person and athlete you are. You're working really hard every day to make this possible, making your people proud. It is amazing so congratulations to you, your family and your team."

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz claims maiden Italian Open title with dominant win over Jannik Sinner