2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome, Italy - Masters 1000

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yes, I sort of get the comparison of Sinner to Lendl, especially with the on-court demeanor, though while Sinner projects calm, Lendl always seemed either robotic or prickly. Sinner is much easier to like. However, his game does leave something wanting in the "flair" department. If I didn't like him so much, I could be bored by his game.

A lot of people say Sinner is robotic, Sinner is your typical strong baseline player, though I must admit he has improved his transition to the net and his volley play has improved as well, I dont think he will ever be a 'flair' player, compared to other players on the tour

 

[Moxie]

A lot of people say Sinner is robotic, Sinner is your typical strong baseline player, though I must admit he has improved his transition to the net and his volley play has improved as well, I dont think he will ever be a 'flair' player, compared to other players on the tour

But it's one reason he and Alcaraz make good foils and a good rivalry. You need the contrast. If we get a good final on Sunday, and I expect it will be, it could be crackerjack!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

But it's one reason he and Alcaraz make good foils and a good rivalry. You need the contrast. If we get a good final on Sunday, and I expect it will be, it could be crackerjack!

They kind of bring the best tennis out in each other, contrasting styles of tennis, it should be a competitive final, having a rest day is also a positive for both players

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Jannik Sinner, 23, is the first player to reach the final in seven consecutive tournament's ( appearances between Cincinnati 2024- Rome 2025) since Murray in 2016, and the youngest since Lendl in 1982

 

[don_fabio]

I think this extended Masters format helped Sinner to play himself into a form. If he had to play every day on his comeback after more than 3 months out, he would probably run out of gas. He is having some blister on a foot I hear, but it doesn't seem to affect his movement.

I think his game is closest to Djokovic in the terms of variety (the lack of it) and how comfortable he feels on the baseline. Young Novak was also reluctant to move forward. They have similar style of hitting the ball very early (on the rise). Not as flexible/athletic as Novak, but I would say Sinner is the prototype of a modern tennis player. Tall guy, with huge power who can consistently hit from both wings. Nothing flashy, but he is playing percentages the best at the moment. Very calculated from the baseline, but when he smells the opportunity he goes for it. I still think he lacks variety of Carlos to be a top player on clay, adding slices, net approaches and dropshots on clay helps a lot to overall game.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think this extended Masters format helped Sinner to play himself into a form. If he had to play every day on his comeback after more than 3 months out, he would probably run out of gas. He is having some blister on a foot I hear, but it doesn't seem to affect his movement.

I think his game is closest to Djokovic in the terms of variety (the lack of it) and how comfortable he feels on the baseline. Young Novak was also reluctant to move forward. They have similar style of hitting the ball very early (on the rise). Not as flexible/athletic as Novak, but I would say Sinner is the prototype of a modern tennis player. Tall guy, with huge power who can consistently hit from both wings. Nothing flashy, but he is playing percentages the best at the moment. Very calculated from the baseline, but when he smells the opportunity he goes for it. I still think he lacks variety of Carlos to be a top player on clay, adding slices, net approaches and dropshots on clay helps a lot to overall game.

I think he has improved over the last year regarding his approach to the net and has improved his volley/drop shots, he has become more aware when to use the drop shot, sometimes I feel players like Alcaraz can 'over use the drop shot' at times on clay, opponents know when it is coming.It hasnt been Janniks best surface it has been a 'work in progress' his best result was in the SF on clay at RG last year.
Being out for 3 months and to work yourself into form in 2 weeks to make a Masters 1000 final on a surface that requires your physical and mental form to be at the top, defeating seasoned clay court players along the way,, to me is a testament for Jannik quite frankly!on his least preferred surface!., Lets give credit where it is due?, Not many players would be able to achieve that in 2 weeks, without playing for 3 months? btw this was the first tournament in Rome he was able to play, due to his suspension, so your suggestion if he had to play every day on his comeback and probably run out of gas is purely 'hypothetical".

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Mens Single's Final,
Sunday 18th May,
Not before 17.00 local time,

Sinner (1) vs Alcaraz (3) Alcaraz leads their H2H 6-4
Both players are into their first ATP1000 Masters Final in Rome.
Youngest Rome final since 2009 ( Rafa 23, d Novak 22, 76(2) 62, Rafa didnt lose a single set all tournament).

 

[kskate2]

These days, I think Bean is playing with a chip on his shoulder. "You can ban me, but I will be back to my old form or better lickety split".

I have no idea what will happen tomorrow. I already mentioned how whack Chuck's new serve is. I still stand by that. Playing someone who returns as well as Bean does will put him on his back foot immediately.

 

[Moxie]

These days, I think Bean is playing with a chip on his shoulder. "You can ban me, but I will be back to my old form or better lickety split".

I have no idea what will happen tomorrow. I already mentioned how whack Chuck's new serve is. I still stand by that. Playing someone who returns as well as Bean does will put him on his back foot immediately.

So, you're going Sinner?

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

So, you're going Sinner?

Heaven Forbid Sinner winning Keli stated she has no idea what will happen tomorrow?maybe she needs to get out her "Crystal Ball"

 

[Moxie]

Heaven Forbid Sinner winning Keli stated she has no idea what will happen tomorrow?maybe she needs to get out her "Crystal Ball"

I was honestly not clear what she said at all. And I am not against your man, Sinner. I just happen to be rooting for Alcaraz, is all. I think a lot of people are rooting for Sinner. I could see it going either way, and I bet it will be a good match.

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Jannik Sinner, 23, is the first player to reach the final in seven consecutive tournament's ( appearances between Cincinnati 2024- Rome 2025) since Murray in 2016, and the youngest since Lendl in 1982

I'm surprised Nadal never did this in 2005-09 or even Federer in 2004-05.

 

[atttomole]

Is this the new Fedal?

 

[El Dude]

Is this the new Fedal?

Sort of, thus the term "Sincaraz." But I dislike everything being compared back to Fedal or the Big Three. Tennis history is full of rivalries and/or pairs or small groups of greats separating themselves from the pack. And each rivalry has its own qualities.

So yes, in that there's a big gap between Sinner/Alcaraz and the field, just as there was between Federer/Nadal in 2005-10. But no, in that I don't see the dynamic playing out in the same way. But we shall see, just as we'll see if there's a third great going to emerge alongside them like Novak did, and whether the gap will be as extreme as it was with the Big 3/4.

But tennis has always been dominated by a small group of players. I mean, consider that over 80% of all Grand Slams in the Open Era have been won by just two dozen players (3+ Slam winners), and two-thirds have been won by just 14 players (5+ Slam winners). Different eras vary from the mean, but in general, two out of three Slams have been won by players we consider to be "all-time greats."

Regardless of how good they become, I think it is safe to predict that both Alcaraz and Sinner will be considered all-time greats - they're pretty much there already, but just need a bit more padding to their numbers. So chances are, for the next few years at least, they'll be winning the majority of Slams between the two of them. But will they win 11 in a row like Fedal did from 2005 RG to 2007 USO, before Novak won the 2008 AO? Who knows.

 

[El Dude]

I'm surprised Nadal never did this in 2005-09 or even Federer in 2004-05.

I'm not sure why you're picking those specific years, as both had 7+ finals spans. Nadal did in 2013, reaching 9 finals in a row. He also reached seven in a row in 2011, from IW through RG.

Roger did in 2005-06 and again in 2007. His 2005-06 streak was 17 finals in a row, which Novak equaled in 2015-16. Novak also reached seven in a row to start 2011, winning all seven before losing to Roger in the SF of Roland Garros.

2004 was interesting for Roger in that while it is one of his four "super-great" years (2004-07), it is also the least consistent. He won 11 titles, but in his other six tournaments he didn't even reach the SF, and the QF only once. He also won 11 titles in 2005, but the four he lost were QF or better, three of them SF or better. His best year 2006 was 12 titles, four finals, one R32. 2007 was sort of a mix of 2004 and 06: you could see the first signs of his highest level deteriorating as he went out in four Masters by the R16 to guys like Volandri, Canas (twice) and of course Nalbandian in Paris.

 

[mrzz]

Sinner clearly with the upper hand on the baseline rallies, but paying the price of bad decisions (and close misses).

 

[mrzz]

Way too many ugly mistakes to be called a super classic, but still a quite good match.

 

[El Dude]

What a strange match. Sinner seemed to have the edge in the first set and was headed for the win, but Alcaraz took it from him in the tiebreak. Tiny margins. Now it looks like Alcaraz is playing with authority and confidence...can't see this one turning around.

 

[El Dude]

In some ways I think Alcaraz "needs" this title more than Sinner. Reaching the final in his first tournament after a three-month layover is a good result for Jannik, if a bit disappointing, especially considering the Italian crowd. But Carlos was looking kind of wobbly for a bit there, and has been playing with more consistency of late. He's also rising at the right time as we head into the heart of the season (RG/Wimb). At this point, he's convinced me that he's still the favorite at RG.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

In some ways I think Alcaraz "needs" this title more than Sinner. Reaching the final in his first tournament after a three-month layover is a good result for Jannik, if a bit disappointing, especially considering the Italian crowd. But Carlos was looking kind of wobbly for a bit there, and has been playing with more consistency of late. He's also rising at the right time as we head into the heart of the season (RG/Wimb). At this point, he's convinced me that he's still the favorite at RG.

I was convinced before this tournament that Carlos is the favorite at RG this year, he is showing why he is in the final at Rome, far too good, it will be a hell of a player to stop him at RG this year