Carlos Alcaraz has won his second Masters 1000 title of the season after lifting the Italian Open title.
Alcaraz beat rival Jannik Sinner in straight sets to win the Italian Open for the first time in his career.
Although he was able to win in straight sets, Alcaraz took advantage of Sinner’s mistakes after his opponent had two points to win the first set.
Despite being the world number one, Sinner has lost four consecutive matches against Alcaraz as the stakes have been set ahead of Roland Garros.
Rafael Nadal and Coco Gauff send messages to Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz had only ever won one match at the Italian Open prior to this year, but has now joined a long list of great players to lift the Rome Masters title.
The player to have lifted the Italian Open title more than anyone else is Rafael Nadal, who triumphed in Rome on 10 occasions.
Nadal is a big supporter of Alcaraz and has sent a message to his compatriot following his victory at the Italian Open.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Nadal wrote a message addressed to Alcaraz in Spanish simply saying, “Congratulations @carlosalcaraz!”
Nadal is one of many big names to congratulate Alcaraz, with WTA Rome finalist Coco Gauff also wishing him well.
In a response to Alcaraz’s Instagram post celebrating his victory, Gauff also wrote, “Congratulations.”
Former Wimbledon finalist Conchita Martinez has also congratulated Alcaraz on his second ATP Masters 1000 victory.
“Felicidades crack!” Mirra Andreeva’s coach wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Carlos Alcaraz makes history with Italian Open victory
There are three Masters 1000 tournaments that take place on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters, Madrid Open and the Italian Open.
Alcaraz had won the Madrid title twice before this year, and has now added both the Monte Carlo Masters and the Italian Open to his trophy cabinet.
As a result, Alcaraz has become just the fifth man in history to achieve this historic feat.
The only other players to achieve this are the aforementioned Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gustavo Kuerten and Marcelo Rios.
All eyes for Alcaraz will now be on Roland Garros, where he is the defending champion, and will be the second seed this year.
Roland Garros gets underway on Sunday May 25, with Sinner the top seed for the men’s singles draw.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
