Jannik Sinner has openly acknowledged that he feels Carlos Alcaraz possesses an extra edge “tennis-wise,” and he emphasized that there’s significant “room to improve” in his own skill set.
The world No. 1 praised Alcaraz’s game as “outstanding,” admitting he is uncertain if he will ever reach the same level of variety as his Spanish counterpart. This year, Sinner has had an incredible run, securing seven ATP titles and maintaining his top ranking since June.
With an impressive record of 65 wins to just 6 losses in 2024, Sinner’s three defeats have come at the hands of Alcaraz, who has won all their encounters this season. Overall, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 6-4.
Both players have had stellar performances at the Grand Slam events this year, splitting the titles between them. Sinner triumphed at both the Australian Open and the US Open, while Alcaraz claimed victory at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
As he prepared for the Paris Masters, Sinner reflected on his rivalry with Alcaraz, noting the distinct playing styles they each bring to the court. “Alcaraz and I are very different players. I maintain a high pace, and I’m mentally strong,” Sinner shared with La Stampa. “He is physically powerful and, at the moment, has something more in his game. He excels with slices and volleys, which is something I can learn from.”
Sinner highlighted Alcaraz’s impressive repertoire: “Carlos is exceptional on the court—his drop shots, passing shots, lobs, and volleys are all top-notch. I’m not sure if I’ll ever reach that level.”
Despite the differences, Sinner believes both players elevate each other’s performance in crucial moments: “As a player, I’m solid and can deliver winners when necessary. We both bring out the best in each other during important points.”
Sinner also drew comparisons between Alcaraz and his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion. “Carlos is similar to Nadal in that he attacks from the very first point and is relentless on the court. He knows how to engage the crowd. I’m more composed and colder in my approach, but I can get fired up too.”
He added, “Sometimes it’s beneficial to show a bit of nerves and express your emotions, like yelling at your team to reset for a moment. Having trusted people around you makes that possible.”
As Sinner gears up for his opening match at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris, he awaits either Ben Shelton or Corentin Moutet. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will face Nicolas Jarry or Lorenzo Sonego in his first match.