Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz already have one of tennis’ most captivating rivalries, with the recent US Open final providing the latest chapter in their ever-evolving story.
Both boast famous wins over one another, but at present, it’s the Spaniard who seems to have the upper hand whenever they meet.
He leads their career head-to-head with ten wins to Jannik Sinner’s five, and whilst he was beaten at Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz did overcome his great rival in the finals of both Roland Garros and the US Open this year.
The latter was a surprisingly straightforward victory for the 22-year-old though, which left many stunned at the level not only he produced, but what Sinner failed to.
Italy’s Davis Cup captain, Filippo Volandri, has a theory to explain why he thinks his compatriot performed so poorly on the biggest stage.
Jannik Sinner told he overthought the US Open final
Speaking ahead of the return of the Davis Cup, of which Italy are already guaranteed a spot in the last eight, Volandri spoke about his country’s outstanding tennis export.
However, he began by praising Alcaraz’s level in that US Open final: “Since the beginning of the US Open, we had noticed the improvements and the level of Alcaraz, focusing above all on his serve and his physical condition.
“Even when Jannik managed to get the second set, looking to step up, Carlos responded with an even stronger blow, pressing him.
“To this day, I still believe that Sinner is the best in the world playing under pressure, but it is true that in this final he did not manage to play in the best way, making several easy mistakes at key moments, such as break points.”
Volandri then sought to explain Sinner’s underperformance, adding: “Sinner, on the court, thought that his rival was more powerful than him, that he even played better than him, all that was taking away his reference points and detracting from his confidence.
“However, he tried until the end, he saved two match points with a lot of class, until again he got two first serves above 130mph. He returned well again, which was decisive, allowing Alcaraz to lead the game. The Spaniard was better, nothing to say there, but I know that Sinner will return to turn the situation around.”
John McEnroe told Sinner that he looked ‘rattled’ by what Alcaraz was doing during that match, lost in four sets.
When is Jannik Sinner’s next tournament?
It should surprise no one that Sinner has taken an extended leave of absence after the US Open.
After all, both he and Alcaraz mirrored that feat after Wimbledon, and then went on to reach the final in Cincinnati and the final in New York.
Theirs is a winning method.
Fortunately for the Italian, with there being no Davis Cup duties, his break can be a really extended one.
His next ATP event is therefore expected to be at the China Open in Beijing.
