Jannik Sinner issues brutally honest ‘something more’ verdict on Carlos Alcaraz’s game

Ewan West
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after the Six Kings Slam final
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after the Six Kings Slam final

Jannik Sinner has candidly declared he feels Carlos Alcaraz “has something more” than him “tennis-wise” and highlighted the “room to improve” in his own game. 

The world No 1 described Alcaraz‘s tennis as “outstanding” and admitted he does not know if he will “ever be like” his Spanish rival in terms of variety.

The 23-year-old Italian has secured seven ATP titles during an outstanding 2024 campaign and he will end the year as the world No 1, having held top spot since June.

Sinner holds a 65-6 record this year and three of his losses have been against Alcaraz — who has won all of the pair’s encounters in 2024. Alcaraz holds a 6-4 head-to-record against Sinner.

Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have split the four Grand Slams this season. Sinner won the Australian Open and the US Open, while Alcaraz claimed the Roland Garros and Wimbledon crowns.

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Ahead of his appearance at the Paris Masters, Sinner discussed his rivalry with Alcaraz and highlighted the differences he sees between himself and the 21-year-old Spaniard.

“Alcaraz and I are two very different players. I keep the pace very high, I’m mentally strong,” Sinner told La Stampa.

“He is physically strong and tennis-wise he has something more at the moment. He plays slice and volleys better, but for me it’s positive. It means I have room to improve.

“Carlos is outstanding on the court… drop shots, passing shots, lobs, great volleys. I don’t know if I’ll ever be like that.

“As a tennis player I’m solid and when needed I can hit the winner. We both bring out the best in the important points.”

Sinner also compared Alcaraz to his legendary compatriot and 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.

“Carlos is similar to Nadal, he presses from the first point and runs a lot. He knows how to turn on the crowd. I am calmer, colder, but I can get hot too,” the two-time major winner continued.

“Sometimes it’s good to get nervous and yell at the team, to step out of the box for a moment and then get back into it. You can do it if you have people you trust around you.”

Sinner will face either Ben Shelton or Corentin Moutet in his opening match at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris. Alcaraz will take on Nicolas Jarry or Lorenzo Sonego.

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