Alcaraz and the possibility of playing against Sinner: "It would be a really difficult challenge"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 16 May 2025 | 19.57

Alcaraz and the possibility of playing against Sinner: "It would be a really difficult challenge." Photo: Getty Images

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A more disciplined and less spectacular Carlos Alcaraz, but with skill and composure. That is the formula the Spanish tennis player is using at the ATP in Rome, a tournament he entered with doubts due to his injury but has refined his game as the days passed, earning a spot in his first final at the Italian tournament. Less virtuosity, more experience. Something he will also need for the upcoming stop: Roland Garros.

He reaches this milestone after an unusual semifinal victory over Lorenzo Musetti (6-3, 7-6(4)), where both players displayed a more error-prone version of themselves. Nonetheless, the Murcian has managed to play crucial moments effectively throughout all his matches in Rome. He did it against Khachanov, repeated the formula against Draper, and once more against the Italian. Now, he awaits the opponent in the final, Tommy Paul, or his main rival, Jannik Sinner. He discussed the evolution of his game, the challenges faced in today's match, and the potential encounter with the number one player in a press conference.

The challenge of always playing at your best level

"Sometimes it's difficult because when I see the ball coming, many things come to mind. Sometimes it's challenging to make the right decision. But I am trying to improve that aspect of my game, attempting not to overthink and always do what's right, even if it's not a brilliant shot or decision. It also depends on the day. On days like today, with a lot of wind, hitting the ball clearly is always difficult. You have to go for the smart decision, trying to be patient, waiting for your chances. If rallies or points go up to 10, 12, 13 shots, you have to be prepared for that battle. You have to be ready and try to wait until you can be aggressive. Sometimes it's tough, but I think today I did quite well."

Pressure got to Musetti

"First of all, he has been in this position before. It's the third consecutive Masters semifinal he plays. But obviously, sometimes it's difficult when you play at home. You want to win. The desire to win is on your mind all the time. You want to reach the final here at home. You want them to be proud of you. Sometimes those thoughts work against you. Probably, at the beginning, he made a lot of mistakes. At the start, he was very nervous. I could see it. I tried to take advantage of it, of those mistakes. I tried to be solid, playing intelligently in those moments. That's why I won the first set. For me, it was a bit, let's say, easier than for him to be a set down in a semifinal. Probably, it could be difficult to come back. I'm not going to say it was because of experience, but playing at home sometimes turns against you."

Musetti sees him as the favorite in Paris

"His thoughts that I am the favorite for Roland Garros, it's great that someone like Lorenzo, who is top 10, sees me as the favorite for Roland Garros. I say it many times, I don't want to think about it. I can only say that I feel very good. I have a lot of confidence right now. Yes, I would love to go to Roland Garros and try to enjoy the tournament and being in Paris."

Pleased with his level shown so far

"I always say that you can be better. Obviously, I try to improve every day, every match, every training session. I think it's an opportunity to be better, to improve. I'm going to say that I'm ready for that final. I'm excited to play my first final here in Rome. I feel confident and I'm playing great tennis. I can always be better. I hope in the final I can approach the match the right way and play even better. But right now, I'm very happy with the level I'm playing at, and I have improved since the beginning of the tournament."

About the possibility of facing Sinner in the final

"It would be great, I'm not going to lie. He has a very tough challenge ahead against Tommy Paul, who is playing great tennis. Who knows? He's playing really well. I have been watching his matches. His level is really high right now. Every time I play against him, it's always a tough battle, very, very tough. I also enjoy those moments. But playing against him in the final would be an even bigger challenge, playing against him at home, with people supporting him. It would be a really tough challenge. But let's see. I'll watch the match tonight. Whoever wins tonight deserves to be in the final. It's going to be very difficult," says Alcaraz, who will seek his seventh Masters 1000 at the Foro Itálico in Rome and thus arrive with confidence soaring at Roland Garros.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz y la posibilidad de jugar contra Sinner: "Sería un reto realmente difícil"