Two-time Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz considers Jannik Sinner a favorite in every event the Italian participates in.
The ascent of the 22-year-old Italian has been captivating to witness. What’s even more astonishing is how quickly his fellow players have acknowledged him as one of the best in the world.
Novak Djokovic did so weeks ago, and his main young competitor, Carlos Alcaraz, also joined in. Alcaraz is actually one of only two players to have defeated Sinner.
He’s the only player to have defeated a healthy Sinner, as Stefanos Tsitsipas’ victory over him mostly came after the Italian suffered an injury. This widespread acclaim for Sinner is commendable, although he tends to downplay it, preferring to let his game do the talking on the court.
Alcaraz recently praised Sinner again while discussing his prospects at the 2024 Madrid Open. Unlike himself, Sinner hasn’t had much experience in the Spanish capital and hasn’t achieved great success there in the past. Nevertheless, his start this year has been very impressive.
“Well, he’s not used to playing here in Madrid. I think last year he missed it. I think he didn’t play in this tournament since 2022, and he didn’t play so much here in Madrid. So I don’t know how it’s gonna be, his game, with the altitude, but his first round was impressive.”
A match between them here would be spectacular, and if it does happen, Alcaraz has no doubt about who the favorite would be. To him, it would be Sinner, as he once again affirmed that the Italian is currently ahead of him.
“Yeah, of course, I see him as a favorite player to win every tournament he enters. I’ll strive to play my best tennis. I’ll try not to let him win more titles (smiling), but it is difficult right now. But, you know, if Jannik plays at this level, as I said, he’s the favorite in every tournament he competes in.”
