LONDON: Jannik Sinner might be the highest-ranked player in men’s tennis, but he believes rival Carlos Alcaraz will be the favourite in their upcoming final clash at Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old is seeking to become the first Italian to win a singles title at The All England Club but faces a rival who has beaten him in their five previous meetings, including in the French Open final. Sinner has played in four previous Grand Slam finals, with three of those being on a hardcourt and one on clay. However, his showdown against Alcaraz will be his biggest match yet on the grass.
“He is the favorite,” Sinner admits.
“He won here two times in a row. He’s again in the final. It’s very tough to beat him on grass, but I like these challenges. I like to go head-to-head and try to see what I can do and what I can reach.”
Sinner has the extra incentive of wanting to avenge his French Open defeat to the Spaniard after more than five hours of play. In that match, Sinner had a trio of match points during the fourth set but failed to convert. Overall, he has won just four out of 12 matches in their rivalry.
Nevertheless, he is looking forward to their latest instalment, which will be their second meeting at Wimbledon after 2022.
“I’m very happy to share the court once again with Carlos,” he said.
“It’s going to be difficult, I know that. But I’m looking forward to it.”
The two players are currently the dominant forces in men’s Grand Slam tennis after winning the last six tournaments between them. As a result, the rivalry of the duo has been described as the next big thing after the Big Three.
Although Sinner points out that he cannot be complacent in the sport as he seeks to improve his tennis further.
“After Roland Garros, I practised very hard to improve as a player,” he explained.
“The young generation, even before us, they’re catching up. There are new game styles, and you have to be ready. It’s all about getting used to this.”
Sinner is the youngest male player in the Open Era to reach four consecutive Grand Slam finals.
