The Rome Masters is in full swing, and last year’s runner-up, Jannik Sinner, who has now won five consecutive Masters titles, is undoubtedly the top favorite. How strong are his chances? Let’s take a look at the champions and runners-up of the tournament over the past decade.
2016: Andy Murray def. Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3
The Brit reached the peak of his career that year. On the clay of Rome, which had long been dominated by the duo of Djokovic and Nadal, Murray pulled off a stunning victory, defeating Djokovic with a commanding scoreline.
2017: Alexander Zverev def. Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3
Although Djokovic is a master among masters, he has a habit of “creating stars” in big tournaments. This time, the young German captured his first Masters title.
2018: Rafael Nadal def. Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3
The defending champion returned to the final the following year. Despite fighting back to take the second set, Zverev could not overcome the King of Clay’s dominance.
2019: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1
Nadal started with a bagel, stunning his old rival. Djokovic had to settle for his third runner-up finish in the tournament within five years.
2020: Novak Djokovic def. Diego Schwartzman 7-5, 6-3
Finally, Djokovic seized his chance against the Argentine “Little Bull,” who had knocked Nadal out. Schwartzman reached the peak of his form that year, earning a Masters runner-up and a Grand Slam semifinal.
2021: Rafael Nadal def. Novak Djokovic 7-5, 1-6, 6-3
Despite another runner-up finish, Djokovic sensed an opportunity to beat Nadal during this match. He would go on to eliminate the King of Clay in the French Open quarterfinals.
2022: Novak Djokovic def. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0, 7-6(5)
This remains Djokovic’s last clay Masters title. Against his “pigeon” Tsitsipas, the victory was never in doubt.
2023: Daniil Medvedev def. Holger Rune 7-5, 7-5
2024: Alexander Zverev def. Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5
2025: Carlos Alcaraz def. Jannik Sinner 7-6(5), 6-1
In the last three years, the players reaching the Rome Masters final have shifted. Apart from Zverev, all others were first-time finalists, including former Chilean No. 1 Nicolas Jarry, who has since faded from the spotlight.
Will this year’s final feature a new champion, or will we see Sinner or Zverev once again?
