Carlos Alcaraz has ended world number one Jannik Sinner’s 26-match winning streak with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 win in the Italian Open final.
Sinner, playing in his first tournament since a three-month doping ban, was hoping to become the first Italian men’s singles winner at the tournament since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
But after edging a tense tie-break, four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz was a class above in the second set.
Sinner had two set points in the first set but hit a backhand return wide to let reigning French Open champion Alcaraz off the hook.
The 22-year-old Spaniard took full advantage with some masterful play in the second set, sealing the title with a cross-court volley at the net.
Sinner’s winning run stretched back to October – when Alcaraz beat him in the China Open final.
News edited by Favour Owonibi