Alcaraz prepares to face fiery Sinner in high-stakes Roland Garros final clash

Carlos Alcaraz, 22, will defend his French Open crown on Sunday against 23-year-old Jannik Sinner in a historic Grand Slam final — the first featuring two players born in the 2000s. The clash signals a new era in men’s tennis, following two decades dominated by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Together, Alcaraz and Sinner have captured the last five Grand Slam titles, firmly establishing themselves as the sport’s next great rivalry. Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, is aiming to become only the third man this century — after Gustavo Kuerten and Nadal — to successfully defend the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

Meanwhile, world number one Sinner is chasing his third consecutive major title, having won the 2023 US Open and retaining his Australian Open crown earlier this year. He has been in red-hot form in 2024, losing just seven matches — four of those to Alcaraz, including a gripping five-set semifinal at Roland Garros last year.

Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 7–4, including a victory in the Rome final just three weeks ago — a match that marked Sinner’s comeback after a three-month doping ban. Alcaraz warned then that Sinner would be an even tougher opponent in Paris with more matches under his belt, and that prediction has come true. The Italian has yet to drop a set this tournament.

“He’s the best tennis player right now,” Alcaraz acknowledged. “He’s been dominating every opponent.”

While Sinner has cruised to the final, Alcaraz has had a tougher path, winning just two of his six matches in straight sets. Still, his semifinal was cut short when Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire, giving him a slightly easier route to the final.

“This is going to be an unforgettable Sunday for tennis fans,” said Alcaraz. “I know I’ll need to be at my best to stop Sinner from winning his first French Open.”

“I love that kind of battle,” he added. “But most of the time, it’s about suffering — because he pushes you to your limits.”

Sinner has a 18–1 win-loss record this season and has picked up where he left off in Melbourne, despite missing the Sunshine Swing and the start of the clay season due to a doping controversy. He tested positive twice in March 2023 for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. Authorities accepted the violation was accidental, caused by a spray his physiotherapist used during a massage to treat a skin cut.

Unfazed by the layoff, Sinner has looked sharp in Paris, extending his Grand Slam winning streak to 20 matches and reaching his first Roland Garros final. He also ended Djokovic’s run at a 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding win in the semifinals — his fourth straight victory over the Serbian, who hinted it may have been his final appearance at Roland Garros.

With Djokovic now out of the picture, the stage is set for Alcaraz and Sinner to take center stage in what promises to be the most compelling chapter of their rivalry yet. Both remain unbeaten in Grand Slam finals — but that will change on Sunday.

“This is the biggest stage you can have,” said Sinner. “To play a Grand Slam final against Carlos is something special for both of us. The tension before and during the match will be unique — we’re young, different, but equally talented.”

Though comparisons are already being drawn between their rivalry and the legendary battles of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer, Sinner has urged caution. Djokovic, however, is convinced the sport has found its next great duo.

“They’re incredible for tennis, both of them,” said Djokovic. “Their rivalry is exactly what our sport needs. Given their level and dedication, I’m sure we’ll see them winning the biggest titles for years to come.”