Rivalries of 2025: Alcaraz vs. Sinner
The dynamic duo faced off in all six of their Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters in 2025, and each match was a grand final.
November 24, 2025
Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, seen here during their epic showdown in Rome, faced each other six times in 2025.
By Grant Thompson
As we wrap up another exhilarating season, ATPTour.com is excited to present our annual ‘Best Of’ series, celebrating the most captivating rivalries, matches, comebacks, upsets, and more from the year. This week, we dive into the standout rivalries of 2025.
The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has swiftly become a spectacle, drawing not just tennis aficionados but sports fans worldwide into its thrilling narrative. In 2025, Alcaraz came out on top in four of their six encounters, increasing his Lexus ATP Head2Head lead to 10-6 against Sinner.
Here’s a detailed recap of their fierce battles from this remarkable season.
Rome Final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1
Sinner aimed to make history as the first male Italian champion in Rome since 1976 (Adriano Panatta), but Alcaraz had other plans in a heart-stopping final at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
Sinner, fresh off his Australian Open victory, was on the verge of taking the first set, holding two set points at 6-5. However, a couple of missteps opened the door for Alcaraz, who seized the moment and displayed exceptional skill. With 19 winners to Sinner’s seven, Alcaraz halted Sinner’s impressive 26-match winning streak to secure his first Rome title.
“He has that aura,” Alcaraz acknowledged about Sinner. “Playing against him feels different. There’s this unique pressure when we compete.”
Roland Garros Final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2)
In an unforgettable display, Alcaraz staged a remarkable comeback on Court Philippe-Chatrier, overcoming a two-set deficit and saving three championship points, making it the longest men’s final in Roland Garros history.
With the match hanging in the balance, Alcaraz showed his tenacity by holding serve from 0-40 down in the fourth set, turning the tide with a pivotal break that ensued. Thrilling the Paris crowd, he unleashed a stellar performance in the final set’s tie-break, claiming his place in history.
“Champions rise under pressure,” Alcaraz shared, reflecting on this unforgettable moment.
Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Wimbledon Final: Sinner def. Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4
A mere five weeks after that heart-wrenching Roland Garros defeat, Sinner made a powerful comeback to best two-time defending champion Alcaraz and claim his first Wimbledon title.
The atmosphere was electric as spectators wondered how Sinner would respond post-Paris. After dropping the initial set, the Italian displayed resolute determination, defeating Alcaraz successfully.
Sinner executed a bold game plan, dominating rallies without sacrificing consistency and mastering his serve, culminating in a victory that he dedicated to his growth following his earlier loss.
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS ❤️@janniksin | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/WqPYkmGSDf
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 13, 2025
Cincinnati Final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 5-0 [ret.]
August’s much-anticipated final at the Cincinnati Open took an unexpected turn when a fatigued Sinner retired early in the match.
Feeling unwell, he called for medical assistance while trailing 0-5, ultimately withdrawing after just 23 minutes. Alcaraz seized the opportunity, claiming his first Cincinnati title and achieving a milestone as the player with the most ATP Masters 1000 titles (tied with Novak Djokovic).
“This victory means the world to me after my previous near-miss in Cincinnati,” Alcaraz shared passionately.
US Open Final: Alcaraz def. Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
Their sixth and final contest of the season unfolded at the US Open, a match that decided not only the title but also the World No. 1 ranking, ending Sinner’s 65-week reign.
Alcaraz delivered a powerhouse performance, unleashing an offensive volley of winners while consistently maintaining control over the match. His coach praised Alcaraz’s execution as “perfect,” an assessment the champion wholeheartedly agreed with.
“Our rivalry challenges me to elevate my game,” Alcaraz said, recognizing the mutual growth fostered by their encounters.
CHAMPION AGAIN 🏆 NUMBER ONE, ONCE MORE 🥇🔥
Alcaraz triumphs in New York, lifting the trophy again AND reclaiming his spot as World No.1 in the PIF ATP Rankings with a 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory over Sinner 🚀@usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/jKOqQMGS7E
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 7, 2025
Nitto ATP Finals Championship Match: Sinner def. Alcaraz 7-6(4), 7-5
As their season concluded on an exhilarating note, the Nitto ATP Finals featured an electrifying showdown in Turin, where Sinner showcased red-line tennis from the start.
With a sharper serve, Sinner effectively navigated a tight opening set, fluorescent under pressure. As a result, he surpassed Alcaraz with a perfect tournament record, dramatically solidifying his growth as a player throughout the year.
“If you continually strive to improve, the results will come,” Sinner reflected, summarizing his journey through this demanding season.
