Carlos Alcaraz Acknowledges Jannik Sinner’s Dominance Ahead of Rotterdam Tournament
In a candid press conference held in Rotterdam on Sunday, Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third globally, addressed the ongoing debate about who reigns supreme in the world of tennis. The 21-year-old openly acknowledged that his Italian rival, Jannik Sinner, the world number one, is currently the best player in the sport.
“I know that there are always discussions, were people ask who is the best between us, and some say that Yannik is the best, and some say that I, (but) the best at the present time is Yannik,” Alcaraz stated.He further emphasized Sinner’s remarkable performance last year, noting, “He lost only four or five games last year (6 specifically), it is crazy.”
Alcaraz’s comments come just days before the start of the Rotterdam ATP 500 tournament, where he is set to face local wildcard entry Botic van de Zandschulp in the opening round. The Spaniard expressed his determination to make a strong start, saying, “I hope to start well, play good tennis, and hopefully, I reach the final and raise the cup.”
Though, Alcaraz admitted that his preparations for the tournament were less than ideal. After his quarterfinal defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open on January 21, he returned home and battled a cold, limiting his training to just two days. “My preparations were not perfect. I spent several days at home after the Australian Open, but I caught a cold and had to rest until my condition improved,” he explained.
despite the setback, Alcaraz highlighted the importance of spending time with family to recharge mentally. “but spending time at home, with the family, regardless of your illness, is always great.It allows you to recharge your batteries mentally, so that you are ready to travel again,” he added.
The upcoming match against van de Zandschulp carries added significance, as the Dutchman defeated Alcaraz in straight sets during their last encounter in the second round of the US Open in September 2023. Alcaraz will be looking to avenge that loss and make a strong statement in Rotterdam.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Ranking | Carlos Alcaraz: 3rd; Jannik Sinner: 1st |
| Upcoming Match | Alcaraz vs. Botic van de Zandschulp (Rotterdam ATP 500) |
| planning | Limited to two days due to illness post-Australian Open |
| Previous Encounter | Van de Zandschulp defeated Alcaraz at the 2023 US Open |
| Alcaraz’s Goal | Reach the final and win the Rotterdam title |
as the Rotterdam ATP 500 kicks off, all eyes will be on alcaraz to see if he can overcome his recent challenges and make a deep run in the tournament. With Sinner absent, the Spaniard has a golden prospect to claim his first title of the season and reignite the debate about who truly is the best in the world.
