Carlos Alcaraz showcased his resilience and skill on Friday at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, securing a spot in the championship match by defeating Italian player Lorenzo Musetti with a score of 6-3, 7-6(4). This victory comes amidst challenging conditions, including wind and an enthusiastic home crowd that was rallying behind Musetti.
The 22-year-old Spaniard demonstrated tactical awareness throughout the match, maintaining composure despite facing a surge in Musetti’s performance and the pressure of the moment. “Today was a really difficult day with the conditions, the wind was tough to play with,” Alcaraz noted. He emphasized the importance of playing smart and solid tennis over seeking out spectacular shots, a testament to his mental fortitude in demanding circumstances.
With this win, Alcaraz has reached his 25th tour-level final and improved his record to 26-2 on clay since May of last year. The victory also ties him with Stefan Edberg for the second-most wins in the first 100 matches at the ATP Masters 1000 level, with an impressive 77-23 record at this level, including six titles.
Musetti, who had an impressive run in Rome, struggled to capitalize on the crowd’s support after earning wins against former champions Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev during the tournament. Despite the setback, he reached a new career-high ranking of No. 8 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
As Alcaraz progresses to the final, he maintains his strong form with 14 wins in his last 15 matches, bolstered by titles at Monte-Carlo and a finals appearance in Barcelona. His journey reflects a remarkable return to top form following an adductor injury that previously forced him to withdraw from the Masters 1000 in Madrid.
The final matchup will be against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner or American Tommy Paul, presenting Alcaraz with another opportunity to add to his growing legacy in the sport. His performance thus far not only highlights his capabilities as a top competitor but also inspires hope for his future successes in professional tennis.