Carlos Alcaraz Makes Strong Jannik Sinner Statement About His Impact On Tennis

Following a clinical first-round victory (6-3,6-3) at the Rome Open, Carlos Alcaraz shared heartfelt praise for fellow rising star Jannik Sinner, highlighting the Italian's return to the tour as a major boost not just for him personally, but for the sport of tennis as a whole.

“It is great- honestly, to have him around for me, for me, it's great to have him back,” he said in an interview with Tennis Channel. “Honestly, I'm going to say I need him, you know, on the tour, because, I mean, he forces me to be a better player, to give 100% of me every day, just to be better,” he added.

Alcaraz said that other than personal favoritism he also was an advocate to grow tennis and that Sinner’s absence was hurting tennis as a sport.

“And, of course, I defend always tennis, and I think tennis needs him as well,” he said. “You know, to bring, to bring new fans. You know, he's his tennis is huge. He's insane. I love watching him play. So having the chance to see him and watch his tennis again, it is great so I'm just, that really happy, but it's not a different feeling. Just, that it’s great for me, for tennis and I'm sure for the fans here in Rome, it's a special thing,” he added.

Alcaraz said he was happy after his first match and that he exceeded his own expectations for the first round in Rome. “I’m happy with this first match. The most important thing was to test myself be able to play the way I want and that was what happened. I was able to sprint left and right and feel good. I’m confident for the rest of the week,” said Alcaraz during his post-match press conference.