Although Janik Siner is only 23 years old, and his rival in today's Masters final in Rome (17 p.m.), 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, is 15 months younger, the world media is rightly calling their match a tennis blockbuster.
It will be a clash of the future, but also the present of tennis, because the two of them already rule the white sport, having won a total of seven Grand Slam trophies (Alcaras four, Siner three), and starting tomorrow they will be the two leading players on the ATP list.
Siner has long been first, not even a three-month suspension for doping hindered him, while Alkaras will take over second place from German Alexander Zverev.
The two will meet for the 13th time, the 11th time in ATP matches. Spaniard Alcaraz leads with two wins.
Siner returned after three months at the home Masters in Rome, and Italy expects him to immediately start winning titles, where he left off after the WADA decision. He lost only one set on his way to the final, the first in the semifinals to Tommy Polo.
- I needed one match in three sets after the break, in order to change my approach during the duel, and after a tactically and certainly better approach in the second set, I stepped up in the third and everything was great. It is true that I have a small problem with a bruise on my foot, but there is no excuse. My goal was the final at the Italian Open and I will do my best there - said Siner and explained the rivalry with the Spaniard:
- Yes, it's a different feeling to play with him. We know each other pretty well now. It's always special to share the field. I feel like we both know we're playing against each other, to some extent! That's why we have to be tactically prepared. Of course, some little things in the game need to be changed, try to surprise and some small details solve the issue of winning our matches - Siner emphasized.
The final in Rome is the Spaniard's best result in the Eternal City, after he defeated Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals, albeit in two sets, 6:3, 7:6.
- It could be a memorable match with the world number one. Who knows what will happen, he is playing brilliantly. I have watched his matches and his level of play is incredible. But every time I play against him it is a fight, a tough fight, and I enjoy those moments. He will also play with the audience behind him, which makes the challenge greater. But I have confidence. I feel that I have been improving my form here from match to match. It can be better, but matches like this against Siner are a prerequisite for raising the level of play - said the Spaniard.
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