Carlos Alcaraz makes ‘best in world’ Jannik Sinner claim ahead of Indian Wells showdown

Ewan West
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz chat
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the net

Carlos Alcaraz has proclaimed that his rival Jannik Sinner is “the best tennis player in the world right now, without a doubt” ahead of the pair’s Indian Wells semi-final showdown. 

The world No 2 admitted he will have to “adjust” after losing his last two matches against Sinner and declared the clash will be “the most difficult match” he will play this year.

Alcaraz will take on Sinner for the eighth time in the last four of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells on Saturday in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.

The duo both produced convincing displays in their straight-set quarter-final wins on Thursday, with Sinner dropping just six games against Jiri Lehecka and Alcaraz losing only four as he dismantled Alexander Zverev.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz reacts as he survives ‘crazy’ Indian Wells bee attack to gain revenge on big rival

Sinner leads the head-to-head between the pair 4-3 after winning their two most recent meetings — in the semi-finals in Miami and Beijing in 2023. Alcaraz earned his last win against Sinner a year ago at the same stage of the same event — in the semi-finals of Indian Wells.

The 22-year-old Italian has won 21 straight matches since losing to world No 1 Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in November, a run that started with leading Italy to the Davis Cup title to end the 2023 season.

In 2024, Sinner secured his maiden Grand Slam with his triumph at the Australian Open in January, before adding the Rotterdam Open title last month.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, is looking to win his first title since winning his second major at Wimbledon in July and reach his first final since Cincinnati in August.

The outcome of the match will determine which player will be the world No 2 following Indian Wells, with Alcaraz currently occupying the position and Sinner in third.

Following his 6-3, 6-1 victory against Zverev, Alcaraz looked ahead to the latest highly-anticipated installment in his rivalry with Sinner.

“Honestly, I don’t know how I’m gonna approach the match. He’s the best tennis player in the world right now, without a doubt,” the 20-year-old Spaniard said in his press conference.

“He’s playing unbelievable — no losses this year. I really enjoy watching him play. So it’s going to be a really difficult match. It’s going to be a big challenge for me and see what is my level facing him.

“The last two matches that I have played against him I lost, so I have to adjust a little bit my game. Let’s see how it’s gonna be. But for sure, it’s gonna be the most difficult match that I’m gonna play this year.”

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