"Probably the best match of my career": Carlos Alcaraz, thrilled with his performance against Jannik Sinner at the Rome Open final

Fresh off an electrifying victory over Jannik Sinner at the Rome Open, Carlos Alcaraz was more than satisfied with the match. In a high-stakes clash between two of the sport's biggest stars, the Spaniard executed a near flawless tactical plan, staying locked in from the first point to the last.

Carlos Alcaraz claimed the 2025 Rome Open trophy after defeating world's No. 1, Jannik Sinner. The Spaniard reflected about a new battle against the Italian, acknowledging the pressure and the difficulty that comes when facing the Italian superstar, highlighting the level of tennis that he needed to display in order to defeat him.

When asked about this match being one the best ones he's ever played in his career, Carlitos didn't hesitate:

"Yes, probably. I think today was a great level for both of us, especially the first set. It was really, really tight having two set points. I knew at the beginning that the matches against Jannik are always really tactical matches."

"I think today I started the match really well tactically since the beginning until the last ball. I didn't lose the focus, which is great for me. Probably one of the best matches I've played so far in terms of level, maintaining all the level during the whole match, so I'm just really proud about that."

"Every time that I'm going to face Jannik, the matches are always tactically. I have to be ready and I have to think clear every time that I'm going to play the point or a game. At the beginning, I knew what I had to do. I maintained that kind of strategy during the whole match and I think it was great. In terms of level, I think I played at a high level during the whole match."

Alcaraz praised Sinner’s level, especially considering it was his first tournament back after a long absence, and showed deep respect for his rival:

"I know that the first tournament after a long period without any matches in the back is always tough. I can't imagine how difficult it was for him because I haven't been in his position in my life.

"The level he has played in this tournament is insane after three months without playing, without any tournament. What he has done is amazing. It's something that I have to have respect on that. I'm pretty sure he's going to be better and better. This week of practicing, he's going to feel better."

"If he's winning in Roland-Garros and he's going further, I think much better he's going to feel. It's going to be dangerous. He's going to be a really dangerous player in Paris. I'm pretty sure he's going to feel much better in Roland Garros. He's the best player in the world. The numbers are there. He wins almost every match he plays. That's why I'm even more focused when I play against him."

"If I don't play at my best, at my 10 out of 10, it's going to be impossible to beat him. That's why I'm even more focused when I'm playing against him. I feel a little bit different when I'm going to face him than other players", stated the former world No. 1.

Alcaraz remembered and compared the sensations with these rivalry to the one Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal had through the past two decades:

"I'm not going to say that I'm feeling like when Rafa and Roger are playing, but I'm feeling like it's a different energy when we are facing each other than other players."

Finally the Spaniard reflected about how having a new mindset has helped him rise again during this European clay-court swing:

"I am just feeling great right now. Of course, winning tournaments, lifting trophies gives you a lot of confidence. Just to know that you are on the right path, in the right way. Playing great tennis. I am just excited about what is coming for me, " concluded Alcaraz, whom from Monday will be the new world's No. 2.