Carlos Alcaraz is facing immense pressure from Jannik Sinner for his World No. 1 ranking this clay season. He has major ranking points to defend and Sinner is in red-hot form.
Alcaraz has started his clay season with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 win against Sebastián Báez at the Monte-Carlo Masters. However, during the press conference, instead of discussing the match, reporters were more concerned with his rivalry with Sinner. This felt provocative and disrespectful towards the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Instead of reacting emotionally, Alcaraz gave a composed and mature answer. When asked if he feels threatened by Sinner’s performance on clay, Alcaraz acknowledged the Italian’s strength while emphasizing respect and competitiveness.
“I know Jannik and we all could see that he always comes back even stronger and even better when he loses matches,” Alcaraz said. “I’m pretty sure he’s looking back to the tournaments he played on clay last year and I’m pretty sure he’s going to be better this year. I’ve got to be ready for that. I would say he feels more natural on hard courts and I feel more natural on clay, I just grew up playing on clay my whole life. Let’s see how it’s going to be.
“I would say he’s hungry for everything on clay. There are tournaments that he’s missing on his belt, so let’s see how it’s going to be. But for sure, for him and for me, obviously it’s going to be quite an interesting clay season ahead.”
Carlos Alcaraz Admits Fear Of Losing World No. 1 to Jannik Sinner
The clay swing could see a change in rankings order with Jannik Sinner threatening to reclaim the World No. 1 honor from Carlos Alcaraz. During the post-game interview at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Alcaraz admits that he fears that Sinner is gonna catch up to him in the rankings.
“To be honest, I’m gonna lose the number one in the world,” Alcaraz said. I don’t know if it’s gonna be in this tournament or in the next one. So, I just defend a bunch of points that are gonna be really difficult. Even though I defend them, Jannik is gonna add some points in these tournaments.
“He don’t have to defend any points in these tournaments. So, I will try to play my best and let’s see what happens. But obviously, and of course, for me, the spot of the number one is not in my mind right now. I’m just trying to feel, the best way or as good as I can.”
The Monte-Carlo Masters is the first major turning point to see a shift in rankings. If Sinner manages to win the tournament, he becomes World No. 1 automatically, irrespective of Alcaraz’s performance. However, if the Italian reaches the final, he would need Alcaraz not to make that final to become No. 1. In another scenario, if Sinner reaches the semifinals, he would want Alcaraz to be knocked out before the quarterfinals.
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