French Open 2025, Men's Singles Preview: Alcaraz A Clear Favorite But Sinner Is Building Back To Top Form

If Alcaraz and Sinner meet again in Paris, it will be in the final, because Alcaraz moved up to No. 2 in the rankings on Monday — meaning they will be on opposite sides of the draw at Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz Vs Jannik Sinner Live Streaming
Carlos Alcaraz (L) and Jannik Sinner. Photo: File
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Carlos Alcaraz is the clear favorite for the French Open. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is back from his doping ban, though, and building himself back up to full strength day by day. (Full Coverage | More Tennis News)

Those were the verdicts after Alcaraz beat Sinner to win the Italian Open a week before Roland Garros starts on Sunday.

Alcaraz’s title in Rome boosted his record on clay this season to 15-1.

“On clay right now, you’re the best player,” Sinner told Alcaraz during the trophy ceremony after the Spaniard’s 7-6 (5), 6-1 win Sunday.

Sinner held two set points during the first set against Alcaraz in his first tournament following his three-month suspension.

“The level he has played in this tournament is insane after three months without playing,” Alcaraz said. “He’s going to be better and better. … He’s going to be a really dangerous player in Paris.”

If Alcaraz and Sinner meet again in Paris, it will be in the final, because Alcaraz moved up to No. 2 in the rankings on Monday — meaning they will be on opposite sides of the draw at Roland Garros.

“It was good to play him before two Grand Slams,” Sinner said. “Certainly with my movement I need to understand better where to be at certain monents. That’s different on clay from hard courts. There are small things I need to improve.

“Clay is the surface where I have the toughest time. There’s no use hiding it,” the Italian added.

Indeed, Sinner has won only one of his 19 career titles on clay, in Umag, Croatia, in 2022 — when he beat Alcaraz in the final.

Sinner’s three months away from the sport caught up with him when he couldn’t put up a fight in the second set against Alcaraz before his home fans at the Foro Italico.

“I certainly need to increase my intensity and hold it for a longer period of time,” Sinner said. “I need to play more matches.”

The loss to Alcaraz snapped Sinner’s 26-match winning streak, which included the Italian’s third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.

“Paris will be a completely different tournament,” Sinner said. “It’s a Grand Slam and that makes for different emotions. The tensions will definitely increase, because Grand Slams are even more important to me. But I like that.”

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