From fiery forehands to heartfelt handshakes, fans are no strangers to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s rivalry-cum-friendship! However, after the duo’s epic showdown (10th-time on-court) in the China Open, the match winner, Alcaraz, admitted, “We have a good relationship, but we are not close friends.” Nevertheless, he mentioned their mutual admiration for each other and his respect for Sinner ‘as a person.’ Now, after they both traveled together to their next destination (Shanghai), it was Sinner’s turn to offer his reflections. And the Italian highlighted the intersection point of their competitiveness and camaraderie!

With a hope to improve his last year’s Shanghai Masters record (round of 16 defeat), the World No. 1 is gearing up to defeat Taro Daniel in the round-of-64 match to move forward. However, ahead of the tournament, he appeared for a press conference, where a reporter pointed out his “incredible rivalry” with Alcaraz and their “off-court” enjoyment. Then, the reporter asked him to elaborate on “how hard it is for rivals, or easy, for rivals to also be friends.” The 23-year-old assured that “it’s quite easy.” Describing the reason, he further added, “Because we are, I feel like we are quite similar as human beings off the court. On the court, we are a bit different, because that’s normal, that’s our nature.” 

Furthermore, the Australian Open champion added, “Off court, I listen to him, I have the feeling that he likes to surround himself with the close people, which I do. Then, obviously, on the court we try to beat, we try to put on a big fight. We always do and we always try.” Sinner, who admitted that he is always ‘impressed’ by the Spaniard’s gameplay, after suffering an Indian Wells semifinal defeat against Alcaraz, further added, “Then at least he pushes me to do better, which is something good. Then I try to improve my game in the next days or, in the off-season you’re going to practice for that.”

Sinner concluded by confessing, “We’re quite similar.” Even after his 6th loss against this year’s French Open winner, Sinner appreciated Alcaraz’s “amazing job” on-court and wished to play more matches with him in the future. Before their matchup in the Indian Wells, Sinner revealed that playing with Alcaraz is always “fun” for him. 

Furthermore, he also pointed out their “good friendship off-court” and their “good attitude” on the court. And after that match, he confessed how it is not “easy” for him to fight against Carlitos, who can move at a fast pace while playing. Especially in that court, where “the ball bounces really high,” and he struggles to tackle with Alcaraz’s high-spinning ball. Their admiration for each other is mutual and Alcaraz’s comments on their friendship further highlight the same!

Alcaraz opens up on his dynamic with Jannik Sinner

Despite admitting to not having a “close friendship” with him, Alcaraz has shown his support for Jannik Sinner even after the reopening of Sinner’s doping case. Acknowledging his struggles, he admitted, “It is difficult for him. I know everyone is talking about it, the news is talking about it….I don’t know how it can be, but sure, I understand the position. I feel for him.” He further appreciated Sinner, who has won six titles this year (including two grand slams), for his ‘insane’ level of play.

He also hoped that Sinner’s doping case soon subside so that the Italian could ‘stay focused’ to play tennis and ‘keep going.’ Moreover, even after his victory over the 23-year-old in China, he expressed that Sinner is “the best player in the world, atleast for me.”

Although he later admitted in a post-match interview that the duo does not “talk much”. However, he never hesitated to mention their ‘good relationship’ with each other. To him, mentally Sinner is ‘humble’ even after achieving massive success, but when it comes to his shot, he is a “beast” both mentally and physically. Fans adore their camaraderie and respect for each other and as they continue to soar through new heights, we are waiting to witness more such glimpses of their friendship!