Welcome to This Week in Tennis, where we catch up on all the latest and biggest stories from the ATP and WTA Tours.
Alcaraz Spoils Sinner’s Return
Carlos Alcaraz defeated top-ranked Jannik Sinner 7-6 (5), 6-1, to win his first Italian Open on Sunday. It’s the fourth straight time Alcaraz has defeated Sinner.
Sinner had just returned from a three-month doping ban and was hoping to win at home in his return tournament, but had his 26-match winning streak snapped by Alcaraz.
“I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level,” Alcaraz said. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back from three months without playing. Making the final here is something insane.”
“Beating Jannik, winning Rome. I think both things mixed together gives you great confidence coming to Paris,” said Alcaraz. “I always say that the final is not about playing, the final is about winning, to go for it.”
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has reached the finals in three clay-court events this season, winning in Monte Carlo and Rome and finishing as the runner-up in Barcelona. He moved back up to No. 2 in the ATP rankings with this latest victory.
The 22-year-old will head into Roland-Garros next Sunday as one of the favourites as he attempts to defend his title.
Read Also: Sinner Returns in Rome
Paolini Wins At Home
Jasmine Paolini beat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to win her first title of the season on home soil in Rome. She became the first Italian woman to win the tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985.
“It doesn’t seem real to me," Paolini said. "I came here as a kid to see this tournament but winning it and holding up this trophy wasn’t even in my dreams.”
The 29-year-old moved up to No. 4 in the WTA rankings with the win.
Paolini reached the final at both Wimbledon and Roland-Garros last season as she searches for her first Grand Slam title.
Read Also: Gabriel Diallo Coming Full Circle at Roland-Garros
Andreescu gets ball rolling in Paris
Canadian Bianca Andreescu advanced in the qualifiers at Roland-Garros with an emphatic 6-0, 6-0 win over Xinxin Yao on Monday.
The Mississauga, ON., native will battle Nao Hibino in the next round of qualifying on Wednesday. Andreescu’s best performance at Roland-Garros came in 2023 and 2024 when she reached the third round.
Andreescu had an impressive run in Rome, reaching the round of 16 before losing to No. 8 Qinwen Zheng.
Read Also: Triple Play for the Canadian Women at RG
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!
Feature Photo : @carlosalcaraz
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