"Those matches are the ones that make you the best" - Jannik Sinner looks forward to potential SF clash with Carlos Alcaraz at Miami Open 2023
Jannik Sinner expressed his enthusiasm about the possibility of a semifinal rematch with Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 Miami Open. Alcaraz notably ousted the Italian from the Indian Wells Masters semifinals in straight sets earlier this month.
Sinner overcame a rain delay to book his spot in the semifinals in Miami with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Emil Ruusuvuori. He continued his dominance at the tournament with another straight sets victory and is yet to drop a set during his campaign for his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title.
Following the win, Jannik Sinner weighed in on the quarterfinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz which will decide his next opponent.
"I am sure that Carlos and Taylor will have a difficult game, hopefully they can play and the rain allows it. If I play against Taylor it will be totally different than if I play against Carlos, since Carlos is able to vary the game a bit more," Sinner said in his post-match press conference.
The Italian was buoyed by the possibility of another semifinal meeting with Alcaraz. Sinner stated that he always looks forward to matches against the teenager as he presents a formidable challenge that motivates him to elevate his game to the highest level.
"After our match, if we meet here again it would be great news, I would be happy to play him again, I always look forward to those matches. As I have said many times, those matches are the ones that make you the best," he stated.
"It will be different" - Jannik Sinner on how Miami court conditions could impact a potential SF clash against Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner also commented on the difference in court speeds between Indian Wells and Miami. He feels this could impact the results of a potential semifinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz.
"The track is different here, so I'm looking forward to it, and we'll see if the result ends up being better or worse than last time," he said.
He added that the faster courts in Miami would be well suited for both players and could play a role in determining the winner of the encounter:
"The court is very important, I already won it on grass and on clay, also on a very slow clay like Umag's. We played at night and it was pretty slow that time.
"Here the court is fast, so I don't know, I think we both feel very good on this type of court, I know that he has been playing his game and moving very well, so it will be different."
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have faced each other on five previous occasions on the ATP Tour. Alcaraz has emerged victorious on three of those occasions, with each of his wins against the Italian coming on hard courts.