Former world No 1 reveals way Carlos Alcaraz ‘can take an even greater lead over Jannik Sinner’
Tennis legend Justine Henin has shared her thoughts on the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after the pair’s 2025 Italian Open final showdown.
Alcaraz downed Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1 in the Rome title match to take a 7-4 lead in the head-to-head series.
The four-time Grand Slam champion saved two set points en route to winning a pivotal opening set before dismantling the Italian in the second set.
The Spanish star has won the last four encounters between the duo, with the previous three matches coming in 2024.
Speaking to Eurosport France, Henin lauded Alcaraz’s latest stellar display against Sinner.
“You feel he can rely on the accuracy and confidence acquired during the tie-break, and then he frees himself and it becomes a festival,” said the Belgian. “It’s totally instinctive, the confidence is there, and it can no longer escape him.
“The numbers are there, he’s taking the lead (in the head-to-head). That doesn’t mean it won’t change.
“We’ve seen Sinner’s solidity for a long time now, but we’ve also seen Alcaraz’s ability to transcend himself on final days. On this surface, he can take an even greater lead over Sinner.
ATP Tour News
Jannik Sinner told the key to beating Carlos Alcaraz on clay after Italian Open showdown
Carlos Alcaraz reveals why he didn’t call Jannik Sinner while Italian was banned
“Facing a Sinner who is gaining momentum, who has just returned, he has rediscovered the taste for this rivalry. The numbers are starting to hurt for Sinner, but we can count on him to find a solution.
“But Alcaraz at his best, with the weapons he has, has everything he needs to shake up Sinner and cause him problems; he’s proven that enough.”
The seven-time major champion believes Alcaraz will face a different challenge at this year’s French Open as he aims to defend his crown.
“He’s the big favourite. He won’t arrive in the same conditions as last year; it will be a different kind of pressure,” Henin added.
“But this is his favourite time of year; it’s during this period that he’s currently at his strongest. He made an impression in Rome, and Roland Garros will be the major objective.”
Sinner and Alcaraz will be the first and second seeds respectively at Roland Garros and could, therefore, only face off if they progress to the final. Alcaraz defeated Sinner in five sets in the semi-finals of the 2024 French Open.
READ NEXT: The 5 French Open men’s singles title favourites – ranked!
