Italian Open: Sinner, Alcaraz dispute title

MANILA, Philippines — Jannik Sinner set up a blockbuster Italian Open final with Carlos Alcaraz by beating Tommy Paul 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 on Friday.

World No. 1 Sinner fought back from a set down in front of a packed crowd to continue his march towards a first title at the Foro Italico.

After a strangely slow start, Sinner again showed good form, and since returning to action last week from a three-month doping ban, he has taken his unbeaten run to 26 matches.

And the 23-year-old will face down Alcaraz, the last man to beat Sinner in the final at the China Open in early October, with all eyes on another potential final between the pair at the French Open next month.

A win for Sinner against his rival would see the men’s Rome title go to an Italian for the first time since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

“If I want to win Sunday I have to play one of my best tennis for sure,” said Sinner.

Alcaraz booked his place in the showdown by beating Sinner’s countryman Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

Late bloomer Paolini takes on Coco Gauff on Saturday aiming for her second 1000 series title at the age of 29 and to become the first Italian women to win in Rome since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.