'This match feels different because...': Jannik Sinner shakes off pressure before Rome Open's final against Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner completed a very unusual comeback against Tommy Paul in Rome Open semifinal. The world No. 1 had delivered a near-perfect performance the day before defeating Casper Ruud but Friday's night match told a different story. Despite some struggles, Jannik kept his composure and secured a three-set victory over the American booking his place in yet another final against his 2024 nemesis, Carlos Alcaraz.

In what could be described as a pretty weird tennis matchup, Jannik Sinner overcame world's No. 12 Tommy Paul in three sets 1-6, 6-0 and 6-3. The duel featured a lot of momentum shifts, with Paul dropping the jaws of everyone at the Foro Italico playing with amazing power in the first set.

Sinner on the other hand, was a bit slow, at times hitting the ball a bit late. However, the three-time Grand Slam champion was able to stay on the match and slowly but firmly, pressured the American with his characteristic pace and speed.

In the press conference after the match, Sinner declared:

"I’m very proud of how I managed to turn around a match in which I didn’t feel good at the beginning. I always believed in my chances, kept fighting, and made some tactical adjustments that allowed me to turn the match around. I won more with heart than with tennis,” said Sinner, fully aware that everything can change quickly.

"The playing conditions can greatly affect how you feel on court, and I’m aware that in tennis everything can change very fast, whether things are going well or badly,” he affirmed.

When asked about the upcoming final against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner seemed to take a step back and lower his expectations about the matchup, emphazising that this is his first tournament in a very long time:

“It’s very good for me to play against Carlos before Roland Garros and Wimbledon. I’m glad about it because it will serve as a reference point to see which aspects I need to improve and to get a clear idea of where my level stands,” he said.

“Our matches are always thrilling, we play at a very high level and push each other to be better. In any case, this match feels different because I’m approaching it in a special way—I already feel like it’s a great tournament for me, no matter what happens on Sunday.

"Facing Carlos is always special because we know each other very well, and I know I’ll need to be at my best if I want to have a chance to beat him,” concluded the two-time Davis Cup champion.