Alcaraz's aim: 'Do the right thing, even if it's not brilliant'

Carlos Alcaraz's flashy game and infectious personality have made him irresistible to tennis fans around the world since his ATP Tour debut in 2020. A fixture at the top end of the PIF ATP Rankings since 2022, the Spaniard has often spoken about being a showman seeking to entertain, playing his best tennis when he's smiling.

Now 22, Alcaraz is making an effort to reflect his maturing age on the court. His semi-final victory Friday at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, a 6-3, 7-6(4) result against Lorenzo Musetti, was built on pragmatism in windy conditions. But with the ability to make a splash in any weather, it's not easy for Alcaraz to keep his game watertight.

"Sometimes it's difficult because sometimes when I see the ball coming, a lot of things come to my mind. Sometimes it's difficult to choose the right decision," Alcaraz explained.

"But I'm trying to improve that part of my game, trying not to think too much and do the right things always, even if it is not the brilliant shot or the brilliant decision."

Alcaraz stressed the importance of being able to enter lockdown mode from the baseline, particularly in challenging conditions: "You have to go to the smart decision, just trying to be patient, trying to wait for your chances," he added. "If the points or the rally goes to 10, 12, 13 shots, you have to be ready for that battle. You have to be ready for that and try to wait until you can go aggressively. Sometimes it's difficult, but I think today I did it pretty well."

Drawing confidence from his improvement over the course of his five Rome wins, Alcaraz is rounding into form after missing Barcelona with a left hamstring injury. He has leapfrogged Alexander Zverev for No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings at the ATP Masters 1000, and now has a shot at World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final.

Even before the Italian's 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 semi-final win against Tommy Paul, Alcaraz was looking forward to the potential showdown.

"It could be great, I'm not going to lie," Alcaraz said before their 11th Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting was confirmed.

"He's playing great. I've been watching his matches. His level is really high right now," the Spaniard continued. "Every time that I play against him is always a battle, is always really, really tough. I kind of enjoy those moments, as well."

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Alcaraz will have his hands full against the home favourite in Sunday's final. The rivals will put on a show, no doubt, for the Italian crowd. But with an ATP Masters 1000 title on the line, Alcaraz will not be too concerned with entertaining them.