Agassi Weighs In on Alcaraz-Sinner Rivalry Ahead of Rome Final

ROME, Italy — Andre Agassi shared insights on the exciting rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as they prepare to meet in the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Sunday. The former world No. 1, during a guest appearance on Tennis Channel Live, discussed the factors that contribute to their success on the ATP Tour.

Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, has a rich history of rivalries himself, notably with Pete Sampras. He expressed his enthusiasm for the Alcaraz-Sinner matchup, highlighting that the competition is driving both players to new heights. “Whose high end is really better? That’s a beautiful question for sports fans to ponder,” Agassi said, speaking from his Las Vegas home.

As they approach their 11th career meeting, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 6-4. He has won their last three encounters in 2024, making him a favorite heading into the clay court final. Agassi noted the impressive statistics of both players, particularly emphasizing Alcaraz’s flourishing performance on natural surfaces, where he holds an 81% winning rate on clay.

“Alcaraz’s speed diminishes less than the other fast guys,” Agassi said. He compared the Spaniard’s movement to a spaceship against airplanes, highlighting Alcaraz’s remarkable balance and athleticism. “When you start looking at these areas, I give him a little bit of the edge—assuming he’s healthy and feeling good,” Agassi added.

While Alcaraz has enjoyed back-to-back titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon last year, Sinner has made an impressive return after a three-month hiatus due to a doping case settlement. Agassi praised Sinner’s comeback performance against Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals, calling it a “masterclass” that showcased Sinner’s skills without facing a single break point.

After recently winning the Australian Open, Sinner aims for further success this season. “There’s no looking back for him,” Agassi said of Sinner. “He’s where he’s at because he belongs there.” As the players prepare for their clash, fans are eager to see which athlete will claim the prestigious title in Rome.