World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz discusses the increasing rivalry with Jannik Sinner and how it differs from the legends of yesteryear.
Carlos Alcaraz, one of the brightest stars on the men’s tennis scene, has commented on his developing rivalry with Italy’s Jannik Sinner after another highly anticipated showdown between the two young stars.
With fans and commentators comparing their encounters to legendary matches such as Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer and Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz admitted the particular intensity of their encounters, but was quick to put things into perspective.
“I‘m not gonna say I’m feeling like when Rafa and Roger are playing,” Alcaraz said bluntly. “But I’m feeling like it’s a different energy when we are playing each other than with other players.”
When questioned about how preparation differs before playing Sinner versus other top stars, Alcaraz was straightforward: “The tension is higher, the stakes greater. He’s among the top players in the world.”
It doesn’t count that he had been away from the tour for three months. Every match he’s playing, he plays well,” Alcaraz said. “That’s why I’m even more concentrated when I play against him.“
He underlined that Sinner’s consistency and level of play require his very best. “If I don’t play my 10 out of 10, it will be impossible to beat him.”
Alcaraz also admitted the psychological factor with which games against the Italian are enveloped. “He has that aura. When you’re facing him on the other side of the net, it’s kind of different,” he conceded.
With increasing public and media expectations every time they face each other, the 21-year-old mentioned the mounting pressure that comes with the rivalry. “I’m feeling that the people are putting so much—let’s say pressure—in a certain way to both of us when we are facing each other.”
Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz – A Rivalry in the Making
While cautious not to suggest parity with the great rivalries of past tennis legends, Alcaraz’s words highlight that something extraordinary is in the making. Their battles are not merely tests of competence, but performances of emerging tradition.
While praising Jannik Sinner for the way he has been playing despite the 3-month doping ban, Alcaraz added, “He’s the best players in the world. It doesn’t matter that he was out of the tour for three months. Every tournament he’s playing, he plays great. The numbers are there. I mean, he wins almost every match he plays. That’s why I’m even more focused when I play against him.”
As they both continue ascending the ranks and collecting titles, the Alcaraz-Sinner chronicle can well turn out to be one of the defining stories of tennis for years to come.