One of the factors that makes this rivalry intriguing is their opposite styles. Alcaraz has a higher ceiling of artistic shot-making, but his level can dip lower than the steadier Sinner.
That happened in the second set as Alcaraz’s serve – and concentration – went walkabout.
Sinner broke in the first game and, having survived pressure at 2-1 when his service motion was also disrupted by a champagne cork shooting on to the baseline, it was a decisive one.
With the scoreline locked at one set each, it felt like another classic in the making.
There continued to be little difference between the pair in the third set until Sinner swarmed over Alcaraz’s second serve in the ninth game to break and serve out for the lead.
Sinner’s relentlessly clean ball-striking from the back of the court, plus his fleetness of foot when his opponent tried to lure him forward, began to frustrate Alcaraz in the fourth set.
Another early break put Sinner in command, but most among an ebullient 15,000 crowd wondered if he had any scar tissue from the Roland Garros final.
The real test was serving out victory and – after Alcaraz generously batted a second serve into the net on the first of two break points at 4-3 – Sinner confidently came through.
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