Difficult finals for Paolini and Sinner

It was not the match we expected or imagined, perhaps carried away by Italian enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the boy from Carrara had largely spoiled us in the previous days and we know how difficult it is to distance ourselves from any form of dependence. Instead, yesterday the playing conditions, with a very annoying wind, a disrespectful shadow that crept onto the central field and a very dry pitch did not allow Lorenzo Musetti, very nervous, consumed by tension and not very lucid in some choices, to be magnificent.

And unfortunately, Muso, more than other players, needs to play good tennis to win. Maybe because he wouldn't know how to do otherwise. That's not an excuse. In two weeks at Roland Garros, there's no doubt that he'll raise his voice again. The French have been warned.

“Today I was focused on the negative things of the day and I was angry about the opportunities I missed during the match. It was a bad day,” he confessed after the match, lost in two sets. “I hope it will be a lesson for Paris.”

Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, was able to adapt more easily to the playing conditions, also helped by a heavier ball. And despite having shown his usual intermittent game, which switches on and off without warning at the same speed as his phenomenal forehand, he deserved to win and reach his first final at the Rome International.

He will meet, it goes without saying , a certain Jannik Sinner, who last night had to struggle a lot to get the better of the American Tommy Paul in three sets. Paul had started like a demon, dominating the first set with a series of winners, only to then surrender to the return of the South Tyrolean.

So there won't be the long-awaited final that the Italians dreamed of, but rather the challenge between the two strongest tennis players in the world, without any discussion; two Martians in their own way, although radically different from each other in everything. Which makes the matter much more interesting.

For those who love numbers, it is worth remembering that the last defeat of the world number one dates back to last October, when in the final of the Beijing tournament he lost 7-6 in the third against an excellent Carlitos. Since then only victories, with the abacus updated to twenty-six. We will find out on Sunday if it will have to be reset.

Ps. Before watching the match of the two terrible boys this afternoon it will be Jasmine Paolini's turn. The Head of State, Sergio Mattarella, will also be cheering for her in the stands.