Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner will square off on Sunday in the Mutua Madrid Open singles final, where they will have an opportunity to stamp their authority in the heart of the European clay swing. The German two-time champion will be bidding for one of his most emblematic triumphs, while Italy’s world No. 1 could claim one of the biggest titles yet to adorn his trophy cabinet. It will be a formidable clash between the top two seeds in the Caja Magica.
“He hasn’t lost a match since early February”. Asked on his thoughts coming into the final, Zverev’s mind went straight to this frightening fact. His opponent for the title in Madrid has practically forgotten what it feels like to lose. He is a winning machine. Indeed, Sinner comes into Sunday’s tie in astonishing form, with 22 wins on the trot, quite the claim to the throne. It is perhaps no surprise that Alexander brought this up; the Italian defeated him in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, pointing him to the exit in the last three Masters 1000s he has played.
“At this point I think he’s the best player in the world, I have no doubt. I need to play tennis at a very high level to have a chance, but I know I’m capable of it. I’ll try and give my all on Sunday”.
Zverev will be vying to claw his way back into a head-to-head (4-9) in which he has lost the last eight matches. The German, who has not defeated Sinner since the 2023 season, is hoping to rediscover the key to unlocking his opponent on clay, a surface on which he tends to find his A-game once he has bedded in. In his opinion, his fortnight in the Spanish capital has led him to a point where he feels at ease on centre court, something that could balance out the match.
“It’s a question of time. The timing is completely different on hard court”, he explained. “Once I’m used to it, I know I can play well on clay. It just takes me a while. I think players like Jannik and Carlos can play really well in the first week. Historically, I’ve won all the Masters 1000s on clay except Monte Carlo. I reached the semis, but never the final. Maybe I need more time than others, but right now I’m feeling good. I’m in the final and that makes me happy. I have to give myself the best opportunity to win on Sunday”.
On the other side of the net, Sinner will be bidding to complete a historic masterpiece. The Italian is on the verge of becoming the first player to win five straight ATP Masters 1000 titles. Jannik has earned his opportunity through uncontested dominance at the top of the ATP Tour, a position he will be looking to strengthen even further in the Caja Magica.
“I’m happy. It makes me happy to be in the final in Madrid for the first time. It means a lot to me”, said Sinner, who had never previously won a match after the round of sixteen at the event. “The tournament has been fantastic once again. Whatever happens on Sunday, it has been another positive tournament”.
So far, the world No. 1 has efficiently carved his way through the draw, dropping just one set en route to the final in the Manolo Santana Stadium. The extra fuel remaining in his tank could prove pivotal as he attempts to rewrite the history books in the potentially monumental match.
“I’ve played a lot of matches in the last month and a half, going very far in every tournament. It’s a good sign but, at the same time, you tend to feel a bit more tired. When you play an important match, like a quarter-final, semis or finals, there’s also adrenaline that gives me a boost”, explained the Italian.
And what a boost. Sinner has played imperial tennis in the last few rounds of the tournament; he nullified all seven break points against Rafael Jódar in the quarter-finals, while managing to prevent Arthur Fils from getting any in the first place in the semis.
“I try to remain calm in moments of pressure. To find calm in those difficult moments. That’s just me. It doesn’t mean it’s good or bad, I think we’re all different”, said the Italian, who also appreciates the support of the crowd. “The fans can give you a lot of positive things. When I play in Italy, they are very important to me. I always say you have an extra shot if you can connect with the crowd”.
With no home players in the title bout, Madrid’s affection will be shared between the two candidates to the throne. The world’s No. 1 player or the active player with the most finals at the tournament. The Caja Magica is preparing for a genuine tennis fiesta.
