Carlos Alcaraz reacts to losing the ‘No.1’ ranking to Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz has lost his spot at the top of the ATP rankings to Novak Djokovic, despite the Serb being unable to play at either Indian Wells or the Miami Open.
Alcaraz knew that if he was to retain his No.1 ranking he would need to complete the sunshine double by retaining his title in Florida, but the Spaniard fell to defeat against Jannik Sinner.
The 19-year-old had not dropped a set in his last 10 matches, but the Italian got revenge from his semi-final defeat at Indian Wells.
While Alcaraz was aware that he had lost his place at the top of the rankings, he was more disappointed about missing the opportunity to become the eighth man to achieve the sunshine double.
“For me it is like I lost the semi-final. I don’t think about that I lost the No.1, I lost the sunshine double. I don’t think about it,” said Alcaraz.
“Of course it’s a shame, you know, but I had an opportunity to get the sunshine double, but, I mean, I think I am gonna have more years to try to get it. But all I can think about is to improve my level to beat Jannik. Yeah, for me I just lost a semi-final of a tournament.”
It has become a rare sight to see Alcaraz losing tennis matches, and in his press conference he was asked about how he manages these defeats.
“After the match, like the 15, 25 minutes I can’t talk to anyone. I was on my… complaining a lot, everything is like s*** for me,” said the US Open champion.
He continued, “But after 20 minutes, 25 minutes, you know, I recall myself, I start thinking about positive things, about the match, about the season, about the tournament, and talking with, you know, my team, my family, and yeah, after that starting to have good things on my mind. You know, I come here smiling. It’s after the 20, 25 minutes.”
Alcaraz and Sinner have had some special matches over the past year, and this was no different. An incredible 25-shot rally in the first set has received many plaudits across social media, with some describing it as the ‘best point ever’.
OUT.
OF.
THIS.
WORLD.? @janniksin @carlosalcaraz #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/YjwASznMS5
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 31, 2023
Alcaraz spoke about his developing rivalry with the 21-year-old, “I feel something different about the crowd when I play against Jannik. You know, I think around the world is probably all the people watching this match because I think it’s really beautiful to watch.”
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner head-to-head
Alcaraz and Sinner have played six times on the main ATP tour, and this latest win for the Italian has pulled things back level.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: 3-3
2021 – Alcaraz beat Sinner, 7-6(1) 7-5 (Paris Masters)
2022 – Sinner beat Alcaraz, 6-1 6-4 6(8)-7 6-3 (Wimbledon)
– Sinner beat Alcaraz, 6(5)-7 6-1 6-1 (Croatia Open – Umag)
– Alcaraz beat Sinner, 6-3 6(7)-7 6(0)-7 7-5 6-3 (US Open)
2023 – Alcaraz beat Sinner, 7-6(4) 6-3 (Indian Wells)
– Sinner beat Alcaraz, 6(4)-7 6-4 6-2 (Miami Open)
Sinner now moves onto his second Miami Open final, where he plays Daniil Medvedev who he has failed to beat in their five previous meetings, looking for the biggest title of his career.
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