Claims that Jannik Sinner has transformed into professional Alcaraz Carlos
After winning each of his first 12 matches in 2024, Carlos Alcaraz has conceded that Jannik Sinner is currently ahead of him in the ATP rankings.
After winning his first Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open last month, Sinner bounced back last week to win another in Rotterdam, pushing the Italian to a new career high of No. 3.
This has reduced Sinner’s deficit to just 835 points from Alcaraz’s current No. 2 ranking, something the Spaniard has acknowledged he is fully aware of.
His breath catches my attention. Though Jannik doesn’t care, I believe he still has 1,000 points [to catch me]. To attempt to avoid letting him catch up to me and reclaim No. 1, I have to play as well as I can.
After Alcaraz withdrew from his first-round match at the Rio Open this week, Sinner dropped 300 points, bringing their difference to 535 points on Monday.
Following that, Alcaraz will need to defend 1,000 points from his victory at Indian Wells last year, then 360 points at the Miami Open—two tournaments where No. 1 Novak Djokovic can only accrue points if he is unable to compete in 2023.
Alcaraz has talked about the improvements he has observed in Sinner since the US Open last year, and the Italian has only lost two games since then.
I’ve maintained my position that there is no secret. He has put in a lot of work, and it is evident. He is a very diligent worker who is extremely focused on his tasks during every competition.
Alcaraz went on, Whenever we see Juan Carlos [Ferrero], we talk about it a lot. When I contrast it with the previous Sinner, it is now more professional.
He was previously, but he is now even more so—he works every day and has clarity in his mind. I’m delighted for Jannik and his staff because they are examples of how hard work pays off in the long run.
Next, Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner will focus on the Sunshine Double, which starts on Wednesday, March 6th, at Indian Wells.
