Next Time Will Be Different

By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, June 7, 2024

Rivalry revelry lit up Paris today.

The latest chapter of the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner rivalry saw the Spaniard drop eight of the first 10 games then roar back for a five-set victory to reach his first Roland Garros final.

More: Alcaraz Edges Sinner for First Roland Garros Final 

After the red dust had settled on Alcaraz’s 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 conquest that spanned four hours, nine minutes, Sinner was asked his view on the rivalry that electrifies the sport.

Australian Open champion Sinner sees change as the constant in this shifting rivalry. 

Pointing out both young champions are adept at adjusting mid-match, Sinner said their next showdown is sure to tactically differ from today’s five-set saga.

“I think we study each other very well. You can see a little bit of tension sometimes of both players and both sides just because we know each other slowly a little bit better,” Sinner told the media in Paris. “Each time when we play against we expect a couple of things, and then, you know, to mix up the plans, you know, you make different choices sometimes on the court.

“I think next time obviously is going to be different. Let’s see on what surface we play on. Also, that’s very important. Best-of-three or best-of-five is also different. You know, Grand Slam, there is a different approach. But I think it’s exciting, and I’m looking forward for hopefully some more.”

World No. 3 Alcaraz is 5-4 lifetime vs. Sinner and improved his five-set recod to 10-1, while the second-seeded Italian dropped to 6-8 in five-set matches.

The man who will make history as the first Italian man to rise to world No. 1 on Monday said he suffered some tension cramps in his left hand and forearm.

Sinner, who suffered a right hip injury in Madrid that forced him out of Rome, saw his 12-match major win streak snapped, but is hoping to square off with Alcaraz again at the Paris Olympic Games next month.

“I think it was a great match. For sure the sets he won he played better in the important points, no?” Sinner said. “I think that was the key. Obviously disappointed how it ended, but, you know, it’s part of my growing and the process.

“Thinking back, before the tournament reaching this point, I’m obviously very happy. In the other way, I’m disappointed about the match today. Now I’m just keep looking forward to improve, to trying to do my best I can, and then we see what I can do in the future here in this tournament.

“If we watch the positive side, I have improved from last year, for sure. Yeah, there is another chance to play here for the Olympics.”

Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia Facebook