Tim Henman predicts the big change Carlos Alcaraz is going to make when he faces Jannik Sinner in the Italian Open final

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face off for an 11th time in Sunday’s Italian Open final.

Spanish star Alcaraz beat Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, to advance to his maiden final in Rome.

He’ll be joined by Sinner, who beat Tommy Paul in the second semi-final, 1-6, 6-0, 6-3.

The pair will face off in a ‘big final’ for the first time at the Italian Open, having never previously contested a final above the ATP 500 level.

With a lot at stake, one former ATP star has predicted Alcaraz will make a big ‘change’ ahead of the final.

Tim Henman thinks Carlos Alcaraz will be more ‘focused’ against Jannik Sinner in the Rome final

World number three Alcaraz was warned about his lapses in concentration after his semi-final win over Musetti earlier on Friday.

The Spaniard looked to be in total control after the first set, but hit 39 unforced errors, allowing his Italian opponent back into the match.

Former British star Tim Henman noticed the issue, but told Sky Sports he doesn’t think it’ll be a problem when he takes on Sinner in the final.

“I think when you reflect on [Carlos] Alcaraz, his concentration has been average, and I think that is because he has felt pretty comfortable against his opponents, with all due respect,” he said.

“Against [Jannik] Sinner, I expect him to have that focus and clarity of thought to say I cannot afford these lapses, dips in concentration, and poor shot selections.

“So I want to see them at their best going head to head in a big final.”

The former world number four complimented Sinner for how he had maintained concentration during his dominant quarterfinal win.

“I think that is where I reflect on Sinner’s match against Casper Ruud,” said Henman.

“He had so much respect for his opponent. That is why his concentration and intensity were so good.”

Sinner beat Ruud, 6-0, 6-1, in one of the most impressive performances of the year, dismantling the Madrid Open champion in straight sets.

It’s tough to judge which of the pair is the favorite for the final, but the head-to-head certainly leans in one direction.

Alcaraz has won six of their ten meetings, last losing to Sinner, 591 days ago at the China Open.

Only time will tell if he can stay concentrated and pick up win number seven at Stadio Centrale on Sunday.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s record in finals

Both Alcaraz and Sinner have contested 24 finals during their time on the ATP Tour, and hold very similar records.

• Carlos Alcaraz – 18 titles, six runners-up
• Jannik Sinner – 19 titles, five runners-up

Sinner has a slight edge overall, but it’s Alcaraz who’s been more prolific in Masters 1000 finals, losing just one of his seven finals at the level.

Alcaraz’s defeat to Novak Djokovic in a Cincinnati thriller two years ago was his sole loss in a Masters 1000 final.

Sinner, on the other hand, struggled in his first two Masters series finals, losing the Miami Open final in both 2021 and 2023, before winning his next four.

It remains to be seen who will come out on top this time around, as both players look to add the Italian Open title to their ever-growing trophy cabinets.

Sinner and Alcaraz will face off in the Italian Open final on Sunday, May 18.