TURIN, Italy — The epic “Sincaraz” rivalry reached a thrilling conclusion in 2025, with Jannik Sinner emerging victorious.
The second-seeded Sinner triumphed over top-seed Carlos Alcaraz with a score of 7-6 (4), 7-5, securing the coveted ATP Finals trophy after their sixth showdown this year, demonstrating their dominance in men’s tennis.
Defending his title in front of adoring Italian fans, Sinner celebrated only his second win against Alcaraz this year, adding to his notable victory at Wimbledon.
“This season has been extraordinary,” Sinner expressed. “To wrap it up like this, in front of my home crowd, is incredibly special for me.”
While Alcaraz had already clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking, this was his inaugural final at the event featuring the top eight players of the year.
Despite the loss, Alcaraz maintains a lead in their all-time meetings, with a record of 10-6 against Sinner.
These two stars have fought fiercely in the last three Grand Slam finals. Alcaraz triumphed in a nail-biting fifth-set tiebreaker at the French Open, while Sinner avenged that defeat at Wimbledon, only for Alcaraz to reclaim victory in the U.S. Open.
Their rivalry also included clashes in the Italian Open final, won by Alcaraz, and the Cincinnati Open final, where Sinner retired due to illness.
“I hope to be ready for you next year, so we can battle it out in more finals,” Alcaraz remarked during the trophy presentation.
Sinner responded enthusiastically, expressing a desire for “great, great battles ahead.”
Sinner’s remarkable season also saw him secure the Australian Open title against Alexander Zverev, making it a double Major win year for both players.
Overall, Alcaraz has claimed six Major titles, while Sinner has brought home four.
As the first set unfolded, the enthusiastic crowd erupted into their signature chant: “Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole; Sin-ner, Sin-ner.”
One ardent fan even showcased a poster of Sinner portrayed as a saint.
In a pivotal moment, Sinner saved a set point at 5-6 with a powerful second serve that Alcaraz couldn’t return. He then seized control of the tiebreaker, skillfully responding to a drop shot with a lob, setting up an overhead winner.
“I’m thrilled with how I managed that situation,” Sinner reflected on his pivotal save.
Alcaraz added, “He caught me off guard with a second serve clocked at 185-190 kph (115-118 mph).”
Alcaraz was treated by a trainer for a right thigh issue on two separate occasions, even getting it wrapped after the first set.
“Honestly, it didn’t affect me much; I was still able to run well,” Alcaraz remarked.
After breaking Sinner’s serve in the opening game of the second set, Alcaraz’ lead was quickly equalized at 3-3.
Sinner then energized the crowd once more by winning a lengthy rally and signaling for louder cheers inside the Inalpi Arena.
He broke Alcaraz’s serve again, sealing the match when the Spaniard missed a backhand wide, collapsing onto the court in relief.
“It was an overwhelming emotion,” said Sinner, reflecting on his remarkable journey after overcoming a three-month doping ban earlier this year.
While Alcaraz led with 28 winners, he also committed more unforced errors than Sinner, tallying 26 to Sinner’s 24.
Sinner aimed to enhance his serve following his defeat at the U.S. Open, outperforming Alcaraz with 8-5 in aces, though he also faced five double-faults to Alcaraz’s none.
This victory marked Sinner’s 10th consecutive win at the finals, following his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the 2023 final. Notably, he has not lost a set during this incredible streak.
Sinner has now extended his winning streak on indoor hard courts to an astonishing 31 matches.
In the doubles final, Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten triumphed over Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski with a score of 7-5, 6-3.
