Carlos Alcaraz was imperious in Rome, beating hometown hero Jannik Sinner to deny an Italian double in the singles.
Jasmine Paolini had beaten Coco Gauff just yesterday, and as the first set went on today, there remained every chance that Jannik Sinner could end up doing the same.
After all, these ATP heavyweights traded blow for blow, culminating in a tiebreak to split the two.
As is often the case though, Carlos Alcaraz’s level skyrocketed during this key period, and once he had won that first set, the match seemed a foregone conclusion as he broke twice early in the second.
Deservedly so, he was delighted with his afternoon’s work.
Carlos Alcaraz proud of Italian Open final tactics vs Jannik Sinner
He kickstarted his interview with Tennis Channel by detailing his pride in such a comprehensive performance.
Alcaraz noted: ‘First of all, I want to say that I am really happy with the way I approached the match today. It is never easy playing against Jannik. He played great tennis during the whole week.
‘When I am facing him, it is all about tactics. It’s about strategy. To start the match pretty well, and knowing it’s going to be a battle. I think from the first point to the last point, I maintained my good level during the whole match. It was great.’
He then made a big claim, given how many huge performances he has put in across the last few years: ’I am going to say it was the best match tactically that I have ever played, or at least so far.’
Carlos Alcaraz rates his chances at Roland Garros
Then asked about his Roland Garros aspirations, he continued: ‘I am going to say that for me it’s not about having a lot of matches and practice, it is all about if I am feeling fresh mentally.
‘Right now I am trying to enjoy every match, trying to enjoy every moment and trying to make the most of the time everywhere I am going.
‘Right now I have a lot of confidence that every time I step on the court I will show a really great level, but most important for me is that I am feeling great mentally, I am happy and enjoying it and that’s the best approach to a Grand Slam.’
As the defending champion, and given Sinner thinks Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, the pressure on him to retain his crown is growing.
However, last year he proved his ability to perform in such an environment when he won Wimbledon for the second time in as many years.
Alcaraz is clearly the outstanding clay-court player on the ATP, and thus has every right to feel confident heading back to the French capital.
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