Carlos Alcaraz explains why he ‘doesn’t agree with’ Patrick Mouratoglou’s Jannik Sinner comment

Carlos Alcaraz has made it clear that Jannik Sinner is “definitely the strongest” player in the world at the moment despite Patrick Mouratoglou’s recent controversial comments.
Following his brilliant 2024 season during which he won the Australian Open, US Open and ATP Finals and finished the year at No 1 with an incredible 73-6 record, Sinner started the new campaign in similar fashion as he successfully defended his crown at Melbourne Park.
Despite the win, renowned coach Mouratoglou stated: “He’s been dominant, but there are several reasons why I wouldn’t put him above Carlos Alcaraz.”
The Frenchman – who currently mentors Naomi Osaka but coached the likes of Serena Williams and Simona Halep in the past – added: “Jannik is not above everyone. I don’t think he is above Carlos. I think when Carlos is at his best, there is a real match and I’m not sure who’s gonna win. Nobody can say who’s gonna win.”
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When asked about Mouratoglou’s comments, four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz made it clear that Sinner is currently the leading player in men’s tennis.
“Jannik has shown that he’s the best at the moment,” the Spaniard replied. “He has lost only four or five matches in the past year, so it is crazy. I know people say who’s better out of us. They say Jannik is better or some say me. It is all discussion.
“But for me, and for the tennis players who play against him, Jannik is definitely the strongest. It’s incredible that he practically always wins. He manages not to have ups and downs and is always very focused.
“I saw that video of Mouratoglou, but I don’t agree with him because when Jannik plays a tournament he either wins it or reaches the final.”
Alcaraz is the one player who managed to beat Sinner on multiple occasions in 2024 as he won all three their encounters last year to take a 6-4 lead in their head-to-head battle.
But there will be no Alcaraz-Sinner meeting at the Rotterdam Open this week as the Italian withdrew from the event as he opted for an extended break after his Australian Open run.
“I totally understand. After an Australian Open title, it’s hard to be healthy and physically ready again in such a short time,” Alcaraz said.
“He probably didn’t feel ready to step on the court again. Every player has to be smart about their schedule. So, it’s understandable that he didn’t play.”