Jannik Sinner on Carlos Alcaraz rivalry: ‘We try to push each other to the limits’ | ATP Tour

Beijing

Sinner on Alcaraz rivalry: ‘We try to push each other to the limits’

Italian reflects on efforts at ATP 500 in Beijing

October 02, 2024

Jannik Sinner suffered a heartbreaking defeat on Wednesday evening in the China Open final to rival Carlos Alcaraz. But despite the sting of losing a final-set tie-break with the ATP 500 trophy on the line, the Italian was able to look back at the clash in a positive way.

“It’s always nice to be part of these kind of matches. Obviously disappointed it didn’t go my way. These kind of matches can really go both ways. But it was not my day,” Sinner said. “He played better in important moments. That’s it. I’m proud again of a great week, making finals here. Last year I won here. For sure it’s a place where I love to play, so I’m already looking forward for next year.”

The Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner, which the Spaniard now leads 6-4, has turned into one of the most captivating rivalries in all of sport. Sinner explained his appreciation for competing with such a tough opponent.

“I feel like it’s always great when we meet. We try to push ourself and each other to the limits. He for me is a [reference] point of where I work,” Sinner said. “Also today I saw a couple things where I need to get better. It’s not only him, there are also other players.

“It’s always nice to share the court with him. I feel like also the fans, they like it. Usually the matches are quite long, they’re physical, there are many turning points… It’s always nice. Feel privileged and honoured to share the court with him. As I said, we both tried to win. We tried to concentrate on every point. Having a great attitude on the court, that makes it happen that it’s a very interesting match always.”

Watch Extended Final Highlights:

Sinner entered the final-set tie-break having claimed 18 of his previous 19 tie-breaks, including one in the first set of the final, according to Infosys ATP Stats. But Alcaraz stormed back from a 0/3 deficit to triumph.

“The margins are very small. In the tie-breaks, the small margins, they seem very big. That’s it. You have to accept it,” Sinner said. “You have to keep working on a couple of things. I won many tie-breaks in the last period of time. This one, it went away. That’s it. It’s all good.”

The 23-year-old was unable to declare exactly where the match ranks on the list of the best he has played. But he said it “for sure” is in the top five.

“7-6 in the third in a final, it’s always tough. I had some great matches in the past, even if I’m still young as a player,” Sinner said. “But yeah, I’m always happy to make new experiences, trying to grow. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. That’s how this sport is. There are very highs and sometimes there are lows. It’s all good.

“My season is going very, very consistent, very great. We try to keep building and working for the rest of the season. Now in the next tournament, it’s a very important tournament for me because it’s only the second time I [am] playing there, but I haven’t reached the final stages of the tournament yet. It’s already trying to concentrate there and hopefully finishing off the season in a very positive way.”

BEIJING CHAMPION 🏆

In a breathtaking final, @carlosalcaraz fights back to defeat the defending champion Sinner 6-7(6) 6-4 7-6(3) for the #ChinaOpen title!@chinaopen pic.twitter.com/idvMd6LRiz

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 2, 2024

Now Sinner will quickly turn his attention to the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he will pursue his seventh title of the season and continue his efforts to claim ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honours. He leads Alcaraz by 2,820 points in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

“Shanghai is completely different because the situation is different. Hopefully I get into rhythm quite fast. For sure it’s going to be a tough first-round match. Every tournament is difficult to play first rounds,” Sinner said. “For sure there are things where I can improve. We will work on that, trying to become always a better player and also better person. Also the work never stops.”