Jannik Sinner couldn’t help but land a jab on his brother after falling to defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the Rome Masters final on Sunday. The Italian world No. 1 was eyeing a fifth Masters 1000 title, and the first in his homeland’s capital, as he faced Alcaraz for the first time in six months.
He hadn’t competed since clinching the Australian Open in January, which preceded a three-month doping ban, and only dropped one set on his path to the final. Sinner made a competitive start, losing a first-set tie-break 7-5, before Alcaraz exploded in the second, taking it 6-1 to earn his first Rome crown.
After the match, Sinner was in high spirits and couldn’t help but jokingly aim fire at his brother, Mark, who opted to visit Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix instead.
“Special thanks to my brother, who, instead of being here, is in Imola watching Formula 1. He’s watching the racing,” he mentioned with a grin.
“Thanks to all the people who came to this tournament. You gave me a lot of energy and encouragement. I tried today, but that’s all I had. It was a good test. Thanks to everyone.”
He added: “I’d like to thank my team. There have been a few months that weren’t easy. It’s been a great result just to be here in the final.
“We trained a lot. We can be proud of the results we achieved. We didn’t win the final, but we are happy with this trophy.”
Sinner also took time to congratulate fellow Italian Jasmine Paolini, who lifted the women’s singles title and won the women’s doubles alongside Sara Errani for a second successive season.
“It’s been a great success since we came here. Paolini won singles and doubles with Errani,” the 23-year-old continued.
“Lorenzo and I did our part on the men’s side. Italians, we hope you’re happy with this tournament. A lot of my friends are here.”
Alcaraz was characteristically gracious in victory, praising Sinner for his performance in his comeback tournament.
“I’m just really happy to get my first Rome Jannik Sinner reveals family snub with sarcastic dig after losing Rome Masters final | Tennis | Sport, hopefully it’s not going to be the last one,” the Spaniard explained.
“The first thing I want to say is that I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level.
“I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back after three months, and making the final is something insane, so I have to congratulate him.”
