"Off the court we don't speak that much" - Jannik Sinner on his relationship with Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner recently talked about his off-court relationship with rival Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner has set foot in Miami to defend his runner-up finish at the Miami Open 2024. Ahead of the event, he sat down with the journalists in the press room and answered numerous questions.
The first question that came the Italian's way was about his budding rivalry with Alcaraz, who is also part of the field in Miami. Sinner responded that they respect each other for their on-court prowess despite not being in constant contact off the court.
"When we play against, it's a very good matchup, we both try our best. We have a lot of respect for each other and, obviously, off the court we don't speak that much because he has his own things and I have my things," Sinner said.
The World No. 3 further weighed in on the emotional differences between him and Alcaraz.
"He's a player who can show so many things and he has a lot of emotions. He shows really good fighting spirit and everyone is different no, I'm not showing so many emotions on the court but it works as well on my side," Sinner added.
"When I face Carlos Alcaraz, it gives me a new perspective for where I have to work on" - Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have thus far faced each other on the court eight times, with their head-to-head tally balanced at 4-4.
The two most recently met in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters 2024, where Alcaraz emerged victorious 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. The Spaniard went on to win the tournament for the second successive year.
Sinner had lost to the Spaniard at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in the semifinal last year as well. He, however, immediately avenged that loss with a 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 victory in the final-four stage of the Miami Open 2023.
During the aforementioned presser ahead of this year's Miami Masters event, Sinner expressed hope of repeating the feat.
"Very happy always when I face him [Carlos Alcaraz], it gives me a new perspective for where I have to work on. Last year, I lost against him also in the semifinals there [Indian Wells] and I just tried to be ready for here [Miami Open], hopefully, I can do this year the same," Jannik Sinner said.
Sinner will start his Miami campaign against fellow Italian Andrea Vavassori on Friday, March 22, whereas Carlos Alcaraz will take on compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena on Saturday.