World number one Jannik Sinner staged a remarkable comeback to defeat American Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 and book his place in the Italian Open final, where he will face rival Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster clash on Sunday.
Playing in front of a packed crowd at the historic Foro Italico, Sinner overcame a sluggish start to extend his unbeaten run to 26 matches since returning to the court following a three-month doping ban. The 23-year-old Italian is now one win away from becoming the first home champion in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
“If I want to win Sunday I have to play one of my best tennis for sure,” Sinner said after the match. “Carlos has played incredible tennis today, so let’s see what’s coming. But for me, it’s incredible to be here in the final.”
The last player to beat Sinner was Alcaraz, who triumphed in the China Open final in October. Alcaraz secured his place in Sunday’s final by beating Sinner’s compatriot Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6(4), navigating tricky winds and a determined opponent in just over two hours.
“I’m going to have dinner, but my phone is going to be there watching [Sinner’s] match,” Alcaraz said. “I have to know who I’m going to play. I’ll watch and study how they’re playing.”
Musetti, who also lost to Alcaraz in last month’s Monte Carlo final, believes the Spaniard has the edge on clay: “I really rate Carlos. I think the best version of Carlos is favourite against anyone… that includes Jannik.”
Sinner, meanwhile, overcame a first-set thrashing from Paul—who won five games in 21 minutes—with a fierce response. The Italian dominated the second set and carried that momentum into the third, winning nine games in a row at one stage to seal the win.
Elsewhere in Rome, Jasmine Paolini continued her impressive run by reaching her second final of the week, advancing to the women’s doubles final alongside compatriot Sara Errani. The pair, defending champions, will face Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens on Sunday.
Before that, Paolini will contest the women’s singles final on Saturday against Coco Gauff. A win would earn her a second WTA 1000 title and make her the first Italian woman to triumph in Rome since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.