Carlos Alcaraz wants to prevent Jannik Sinner from enjoying more success (Image: Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the top two seeds at the Madrid Open.
Carlos Alcaraz has sent Jannik Sinner a threat ahead of a potential meeting at the Madrid Open. The young rivals are the top two seeds, putting them on a collision course for a blockbuster showdown in Sunday’s final. Two-time defending champion Alcaraz is keen to stop the Italian from enjoying any more success after his dominant start to the season.
Sinner and Alcaraz are still alive in the Madrid Open, where they could meet in their biggest final yet. Sinner is the top seed at a Masters 1000 event for the first time in his career following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal. And he is one of the clear title favourites, coming into the tournament with a 24-2 record for the year.
The 22-year-old has already collected titles at the Australian Open, Rotterdam Open and Miami Open. And he is keen to add to his trophy collection this week in Madrid, where he has never been beyond the third round. But Alcaraz is ready to spoil the party for his friend and foe.
“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,” Alcaraz said of Sinner’s chances of lifting the trophy. “So I don’t know how it’s gonna be, his game, with the altitude, but his first round was impressive.”
Ahead of the tournament, Alcaraz named the world No. 2 as the favourite. And he stuck by his word after watching Sinner demolish Lorenzo Sonego 6-0 6-3 in his opening match. The 20-year-old added: “Yeah, of course, I see him as a favourite player to win every tournament he goes.”
But Alcaraz sent the Italian a threat as he outlined his plans to prevent Sinner from winning more tournaments. “I’ll try to play my best tennis. I’ll try to not let him win more titles,” he smiled.
“But it is difficult right now. But, you know, if Jannik is still playing at this level, as I said, he’s the favourite in every tournament he goes.” But Sinner seems to be downplaying his chances, as he admitted his main goal was to prepare for the French Open.
After returning to Madrid for the first time in two years, he said: “We came here quite early, so we tried to prepare in the best possible way. But in the other way, I’m working very hard in the gym physically. I have to accept a couple of things more while I play the match, but it’s in my mind. I know this.
“This is me trying to find a good rhythm here, and which the main goal is then be in top form in Roland Garros, no? I think this is the goal of all of us. So, yeah, I’m just happy to be here. I mean, last year I was not able to play here, so even more excited. Then we see how it goes this year.”
