ROME (Reuters) -World number one Jannik Sinner produced a sublime semi-final display as he fought back from a set down to beat American Tommy Paul 1-6 6-0 6-3 on Friday to set up an Italian Open final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz reached his first career final at the Rome Masters 1000, although he did not play his best tennis for most of the week. The former world number 3 has had several ups and downs during this tournament as well, but he has always managed to make the difference in the decisive moments and will try to win his seventh Masters 1000 tomorrow.

Alcaraz is the reigning French Open champion, who has won 26 of his last 28 claycourt matches. This is the ultimate test for Sinner, who did admit to being troubled by a blister after his semi-final when he also had a leg issue, one he later downplayed.