Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner began their ATP Finals preparation by practicing together in Turin.
Sinner and Alcaraz’s relationship has been questioned after the two men continued to be firm friends off the court despite their epic rivalry in tennis.
The pair are the favourites to win the ATP Finals as both men look to end their incredible seasons on a monumental high.
Alcaraz has revealed the reason he practiced with Sinner at the tournament, and why it won’t happen at other events.
Carlos Alcaraz states the reason he practiced with Jannik Sinner
Speaking to Sky Sports, Alcaraz dismissed reports that Alcaraz and Sinner could gain an advantage on each other by training together.
The world number two revealed: “Obviously it’s unusual for the people to see. We’re fighting for the number one spot, and this is the last tournament of the year that counts for the rankings.
“The relationship we have, I think people think we can’t practice together because we can get some information on each other, but we already know each other really well.”
Alcaraz then suggested that the reason he practiced with Sinner was because there are only eight players in the tournament.
“This is the only tournament we can practice together, because there are so few of us and this is why this tournament is so special.
“You get used to the conditions, you try and get in good shape with the players you are playing against. I think it’s great.”
Alcaraz begins his campaign against Alex de Minaur at the tournament, and he’ll also play Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti.
Carlos Alcaraz explains the improvements he’s making on indoor hardcourt
Alcaraz’s issues on indoor hardcourt were only exacerbated after the Spaniard lost in his opening round match of the Paris Masters to Cameron Norrie.
The world number two is weakest on indoor hardcourts, with a 31-14 record and a win rate of 68.9% on the surface.
In the same interview with Sky Sports, Alcaraz explained the reason why he struggles on the surface. “Well, I’m Spanish! I’m from Murcia where it’s sunny 365 days per year.
“Playing indoors for me, it’s kinda weird because I’m not used to it, but I think I’m getting used to it. The energy, the people, it’s louder, which is great. You can play with the lights. It looks cool, with the walk ons and the matches. It’s great, but I’m not used to it.”
Alcaraz will be hoping he can turn his fortunes around as he tackles his indoor woes at the ATP Finals, where he could win his second indoor title.
He previously won the Rotterdam Open earlier this year after defeating de Minaur in the final of the Dutch event.
