Alcaraz on Sinner's continued success: 'It is crazy'

Jannik Sinner continued his red-hot form last week at the Australian Open, where he captured his third major title. Watching on was rival and friend Carlos Alcaraz, who this week competes at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam.

Speaking ahead of the ATP 500, Alcaraz was asked about his thoughts on Sinner’s latest success. The Spaniard did not hold back in his praise of the Italian.

"Jannik is the best right now,” Alcaraz said in his pre-tournament press conference in Rotterdam on Sunday. “He has lost only four or five matches in the past year, so it is crazy. I know people say who’s better out of us. They say Jannik is better or some say me. It is all discussion.

"But for me, I think for a tennis player, we have to face Jannik and he is winning everything he is playing. He is focused every time, so I think he is the best. Every tournament he plays, he makes the final or lifts the trophy.”

Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the final in Melbourne to capture his ninth tour-level title since the start of 2024 and move to eight ‘big titles’ won, one behind Alcaraz.

The 21-year-old Spaniard was aiming to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam but came up short against Novak Djokovic. Having had 10 days to reflect on his quarter-final loss, Alcaraz feels he did little wrong.

“I don’t feel that it was a missed opportunity against Novak,” Alcaraz said. “I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match. Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now.”

Alcaraz returned home from Australia at the end of last week and spent time at home in Spain. He then travelled on Friday to Rotterdam, where he will make his tournament debut. However, his preparations for the ATP 500 event have not been as smooth as he would have hoped.

“I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold,” Alcaraz said. “I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better. But spending time at home, it doesn’t matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again.”

Alcaraz donned nasal strips during his hit with Jiri Lehecka on Sunday in the Ahoy Arena but said he feels fit and healthy. The top seed faces Dutch wild card Botic van de Zandschulp in a tough opener. Van de Zandschulp upset Alcaraz in the second round at the US Open and the Spaniard knows he will need to be at it from the off if he is to avoid another defeat.

“He's a really tough player,” Alcaraz said. “I've played against him a few times already.  The last time I lost against him. I am now going to play him in his home. I will enjoy playing my first match here in Rotterdam and I will see how it goes. The crowd will probably be against me but I will enjoy it and do my best. I am here for the challenge and to get through.”