By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday June 7, 2025

Paris – And then there were two. It's a battle of the No.1 and No.2-ranked players for the title in Paris, and it’s also the first time that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will meet in a major final. Scroll down for more about Sunday’s marquee matchup at Roland-Garros.



Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz

Head-to-Head: Alcaraz leads 7-4
Trend: Alcaraz has won the last 4
Clay: Alcaraz leads 2-1
At the majors: Alcaraz leads 2-1

Carlitos’ House?

These two went five sets in last year’s semifinal, with Alcaraz winning and then taking out Alexander Zverev to win his third of four major titles. They meet again this year, with Sinner riding a 20-match Grand Slam winning streak and playing as the World No.1. Sinner has been the most dominant player in the tournament through six rounds, but is he playing well enough to turn the tide against Alcaraz, who has swept through each of the pair’s last four meetings?

Alcaraz has won 33 of his last 35 on clay, including 13 on the trot at Roland-Garros.

He has put up a few mixed performances during the Paris fortnight, losing sets against Fabian Marozsan in the second round, Damir Dzumhur in the third round, Ben Shelton in the fourth round and Lorenzo Musetti in yesterday’s semifinal. But Sinner always seems to bring out Alcaraz’s best. There’s no lack of focus from the Spaniard when he faces his rival, something that isn’t always true against players that Alcaraz should beat.

Sinner might have Alcaraz right where he wants him. His form has been so lethal in Paris it’s hard to imagine him losing. Just look at how well Novak Djokovic played him in Friday night’s second semifinal, all to lose in straight sets.

But Sinner will face more adversity than he has faced all week on Sunday, so it will be imperative that he continues to play free.

Someone Must Lose

The pair are a combined 7-0 in major finals, which is absolutely insane when you think about it. What makes these two so special in big matches? Finally, one of them will have to draw the short stick in a Slam final on Sunday.

Only two players in history have won their first four Grand Slam finals in the Open Era. Roger Federer was the first to do it, claiming seven Slam finals on the trot before he first took a loss in a Grand Slam final. Now Alcaraz is the second, and the only one to win his first four majors before turning 22. Will Alcaraz get closer to Fed, or will Sinner join the list?

If you’re scoring at home, several players have won their first four majors on the women’s side: Naomi Osaka (4-0), Iga Swiatek (5-0) and Monica Seles (6-0).

What They’re Saying

Alcaraz on Sinner: “He's the best tennis player right now. I mean, he's destroying every opponent through the semifinal.”

Sinner on Alcaraz, and the occasion: “we try to push ourselves in the best possible way. And the stage, it doesn't get any bigger now. Grand Slam finals against Carlos, it's a special moment for me and for him, too. He won here last year, so let's see what's coming. But for sure, the tension you feel before the match and during the match is a little bit different in a way.”