Alcaraz on beating Sinner: “I have to be at my best, ten out of ten”
Carlos Alcaraz says he feels more focused against the world No 1
Alcaraz and Sinner , Rome 2025 (Alessandra Tarantino/AP/SIPA)
Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph in Rome is his latest victory over rival Jannik Sinner, extending his head-to-head advantage to 7-4.
And after the win, he told journalists that playing the world No 1 gives him an increased sense of clarity because he knows he has to be at his very best to get the better of him.
“I know how I have to play against him. Tactically, as I said, every time that I’m going to face Jannik, the matches are always tactically. I have to be ready and I have to think clear every time that I’m going to play the point or a game, the things that I have to do if I miss just to keep it going in the same way.
“And yeah, at the beginning I knew what I have to do, and I maintained that kind of strategy during the whole match. I think was great. In terms of level, I think I played during a high level during the whole match.”
Alcaraz – I feel different when I play Sinner
He added: “He’s the best player in the world. It doesn’t matter that he was out of the tour for three months. Every tournament he’s playing, he plays great. The numbers are there. I mean, he wins almost every match he plays. That’s why I’m even more focused when I play against him.
“If I don’t play at my best, 10 out of 10, it’s going to be impossible to beat him. That’s why I’m more focused when I’m playing against him, or I feel a little bit different when I’m going to face him than other players.
“I think obviously for the rest of the players are the same when they are facing Jannik. Is kind of different feeling. He has that aura. When you’re seeing him at the other side of the net, it’s kind of different.
“That’s why obviously I’m feeling that the people are putting so much, let’s say – how can I say – pressure in a certain way to both of us when we are facing each other. I’m not going to say I’m feeling like when Rafa and Roger are playing, but I’m feeling like it’s a different energy when we are facing against each other than other players.”
