“Sinner has worked very hard and it shows” – Alcaraz

The Spaniard says he would like to play against countryman Rafael Nadal as many times as possible

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

February 23, 2024

World No 2 Carlos Alcaraz believes Jannik Sinner‘s incredible success over the past six months simply boils down to putting in the hard work on a daily basis.

Sinner has climbed to No 3 in the rankings and is chasing Alcaraz for the No 2 spot after winning his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last month. The Italian is 12-0 for the season after following up his first Major with the title in Rotterdam.

“I have always said that there is no secret. He has worked very hard and it shows. In every tournament he is very focused on the things he has to do, he is a hard worker. I told with Juan Carlos (Ferrero) many times when we see him. If I compare him with the Sinner of before, he has changed to (become) more professional. Before he was (also), but now he is even more so, working every day and having things clear. The day-to-day work pays off and that is what has happened with Jannik Sinner and I am happy for him and his team,” Alcaraz said in an interview to Marca.

While Sinner’s stock has risen in the past six months. Alcaraz has found the going tough. The Spaniard has not reached a final on the tour since August. Speaking to prior to his ankle injury in Roo de Janeiro this week, the two-time Grand Slam winner believed he was not far from his best.

I would like to experience it one or two more times. As many as possible. It would be incredible to be able to play Rafa again.

“I don’t think I’m far away, but I still have to reach that level that I have already shown on many occasions, both in tennis and confidence, knowing how to manage certain moments.”

Alcaraz, who confirmed that the ankle injury that forced him to retire from the Rio Open this week will keep him off the courts for only a few days, is next expected to play at the ‘Netflix Slam’ against countryman Rafael Nadal in Las Vegas on March 3. The 20-year-old is also keen to get a few more opportunities to play his illustrious countryman on the main tour.

“Of course I would like to (play against Nadal), wherever it is. I would like to face him again, to compete against him, face to face on the court… I would like to experience it one or two more times. As many as possible. It would be incredible to be able to play him again.”