It's the final that everyone was dreaming of, the one that the tennis world has been waiting for for months: Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz, a rivalry destined to mark an era, in the wake of the legendary duels between Federer and Nadal. This afternoon, on the Central Court of the Foro Italico, the two young champions face each other for the title of International BNL of Italy 2025, in a match that promises spectacle and intensity.
Sir, number 1 in the world, is the first Italian after Adriano Panatta in 1978 to reach the final of the Roman Masters 1000. The public at the Foro is ready to push him towards a historic goal: bringing the trophy back to Italy 49 years after the last triumph.
Saturday has already given an unprecedented emotion to the Italian tennis with Jasmin Paolini who won the women's singles title, the first Italian to succeed after 45 years. An extraordinary feat, completed today with a sensational “double” vI also set fire to the doubles final against Kudermetova and Mertens. “Two crazy and unforgettable weeks in Rome,” is the unison comment of the two Italians. “You are special. Today we played three against two. Now go Jannik.”
Sinner, a champion's comeback against Paul
And in the afternoon the attention of the Forum will be all for Jannik to complete a fairytale weekend for the Italian tennis. The access to the final for the South Tyrolean came after a semi-final comeback against the American Tommy paul. After a nightmare first set, lost 1-6 in just 28 minutes, Sinner found his overwhelming tennis, closing with a clear 6-0 6-3. It is the 26th consecutive victory for the number 1 in the ATP ranking, who returned to the court in Rome after a three-month stop caused by the Clostebol affair. "I didn't start very well, but that's sport: every day can change everything", said Jannik, still struggling with discomfort in one leg related to blisters, but determined to give his best.
The first Roman final in his career for him, and the possibility of bringing the title back to Italy after 49 years makes the audience vibrate.
Alcaraz's march: Musetti stops in the semi-final
The dream of an all-Italian final was shattered against the solidity of Carlos Alcaraz, which he defeated Lorenzo Mustetti in two sets (6-3, 7-6). Despite the enthusiasm of the public and a great fight in the second set, the Carrara native gave in in the tie-break, leaving the way open to the Spaniard who today plays his first final in Rome.
Alcaraz reaches the final from number 2 ATP (from Monday) and with six wins out of ten previous matches against Sinner. The two have already faced each other on clay twice, with one win each. Their last meeting dates back to the final of Beijing 2024, won by the Spaniard.
Sinner-Alcaraz Final: Time and Where to Watch
The men's final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled today, Sunday 18th May, not before 17:00 pm, on the Central Court of the Foro Italico. First, at 12:00, the women's doubles final will be played with Paolini and Errani protagonists.
The challenge will be broadcast:
- Free to air on Rai 1 and streaming up RaiPlay
- On Sky Sport Uno (channel 201) e Sky Sports Tennis
- Streamed on NOW e Sky Go
- Also available on Tennis TV for subscribers
The winner takes home almost a million euros
In addition to glory and history, the final of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2025 also offers an important prize. The men's tournament, whose total prize money rose to 8,1 million euros, assign 985.030 € to the winner of the singles, while the finalist will still receive 523.870 €. A concrete recognition for those who manage to emerge in one of the most prestigious Masters 1000 on the circuit.
Even in the women's field the triumph has a significant weight: Jasmin Paolini, winner of the singles, takes home 877.390 €, a figure that confirms the growing value of the tournament also for the WTA circuit.
With Paolini already queen (together with Sara Errani also in doubles) and Sinner ready to complete a legendary weekend, Italian tennis has never flown so high in a single competition.
Last update 14,45am
