2025 Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Rome, Italy - Masters 1000

[MargaretMcAleer]

Yes, I sort of get the comparison of Sinner to Lendl, especially with the on-court demeanor, though while Sinner projects calm, Lendl always seemed either robotic or prickly. Sinner is much easier to like. However, his game does leave something wanting in the "flair" department. If I didn't like him so much, I could be bored by his game.

A lot of people say Sinner is robotic, Sinner is your typical strong baseline player, though I must admit he has improved his transition to the net and his volley play has improved as well, I dont think he will ever be a 'flair' player, compared to other players on the tour

 

[Moxie]

A lot of people say Sinner is robotic, Sinner is your typical strong baseline player, though I must admit he has improved his transition to the net and his volley play has improved as well, I dont think he will ever be a 'flair' player, compared to other players on the tour

But it's one reason he and Alcaraz make good foils and a good rivalry. You need the contrast. If we get a good final on Sunday, and I expect it will be, it could be crackerjack!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

But it's one reason he and Alcaraz make good foils and a good rivalry. You need the contrast. If we get a good final on Sunday, and I expect it will be, it could be crackerjack!

They kind of bring the best tennis out in each other, contrasting styles of tennis, it should be a competitive final, having a rest day is also a positive for both players

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Jannik Sinner, 23, is the first player to reach the final in seven consecutive tournament's ( appearances between Cincinnati 2024- Rome 2025) since Murray in 2016, and the youngest since Lendl in 1982

 

[don_fabio]

I think this extended Masters format helped Sinner to play himself into a form. If he had to play every day on his comeback after more than 3 months out, he would probably run out of gas. He is having some blister on a foot I hear, but it doesn't seem to affect his movement.

I think his game is closest to Djokovic in the terms of variety (the lack of it) and how comfortable he feels on the baseline. Young Novak was also reluctant to move forward. They have similar style of hitting the ball very early (on the rise). Not as flexible/athletic as Novak, but I would say Sinner is the prototype of a modern tennis player. Tall guy, with huge power who can consistently hit from both wings. Nothing flashy, but he is playing percentages the best at the moment. Very calculated from the baseline, but when he smells the opportunity he goes for it. I still think he lacks variety of Carlos to be a top player on clay, adding slices, net approaches and dropshots on clay helps a lot to overall game.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think this extended Masters format helped Sinner to play himself into a form. If he had to play every day on his comeback after more than 3 months out, he would probably run out of gas. He is having some blister on a foot I hear, but it doesn't seem to affect his movement.

I think his game is closest to Djokovic in the terms of variety (the lack of it) and how comfortable he feels on the baseline. Young Novak was also reluctant to move forward. They have similar style of hitting the ball very early (on the rise). Not as flexible/athletic as Novak, but I would say Sinner is the prototype of a modern tennis player. Tall guy, with huge power who can consistently hit from both wings. Nothing flashy, but he is playing percentages the best at the moment. Very calculated from the baseline, but when he smells the opportunity he goes for it. I still think he lacks variety of Carlos to be a top player on clay, adding slices, net approaches and dropshots on clay helps a lot to overall game.

I think he has improved over the last year regarding his approach to the net and has improved his volley/drop shots, he has become more aware when to use the drop shot, sometimes I feel players like Alcaraz can 'over use the drop shot' at times on clay, opponents know when it is coming.It hasnt been Janniks best surface it has been a 'work in progress' his best result was in the SF on clay at RG last year.
Being out for 3 months and to work yourself into form in 2 weeks to make a Masters 1000 final on a surface that requires your physical and mental form to be at the top, defeating seasoned clay court players along the way,, to me is a testament for Jannik quite frankly!on his least preferred surface!., Lets give credit where it is due? btw this was the first tournament in Rome he was able to play, due to his suspension, so your argument if he had to play every day on his comeback and probably run out of gas is purely 'hypothetical".

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Mens Single's Final,
Sunday 18th May,
Not before 17.00 local time,

Sinner (1) vs Alcaraz (3) Alcaraz leads their H2H 6-4
Both players are into their first ATP1000 Masters Final in Rome.
Youngest Rome final since 2009 ( Rafa 23, d Novak 22, 76(2) 62, Rafa didnt lose a single set all tournament).