Novak Djokovic has already sealed the year-end No.1 ranking but in the new season, Carlos Alcaraz has tipped another player to challenge for the top spot.
The world No.2 has hailed Jannik Sinner following the Italian’s three-hour win over Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Tuesday evening. Sinner triumphed over the 24-time Grand Slam champion in front of roughly 14,000 fans in his home country in a match that was also a ratings hit. Italian broadcaster Rai confirmed that the match was the most watched on their channel in the past 10 years and Sky Italy attracted the second-highest viewership for a tennis match in its history (second to Djokovic’s clash with Matteo Berrettini in the 2021 Wimbledon final).
Alcaraz is fully aware of the Sinner’s talent after previously playing him seven times on the Tour but only winning three of their meetings. This year he beat the world No.4 in Indian Wells before suffering losses in Miami and Beijing.
“As a huge fan of tennis, it was one of the best matches of the year,” he said in tribute to Sinner’s win over Djokovic in Turin.
“It was a high quality of tennis and an unbelievable match. I think everybody enjoyed that match.’
“Honestly, it would be really tough if I face Jannik in Italy. The crowd is going to be behind him. But who knows? I would love to play that battle against him. Every match that we face each other is an amazing match.”
Continuing his praise of Sinner, the 20-year-old says he has no doubt about his ability to win a Grand Slam and even potentially claim the No.1 position as early as next year.
“He is one of the those guys who are able to win a Grand Slam. I think he’s going to reach the No. 1 in 2024 or he’s going to give himself the chance to reach the No. 1.” He added.
Of course, the Spaniard himself is hoping to rise back to the top of the standings after holding the position for a total of 36 weeks so far in his career.
As for the ATP Finals, Alcaraz says he is building in confidence following his straight sets win over Andrey Rublev in what was his first-ever win at the tournament. In his opening match, he was beaten in three sets by Alexander Zverev.
“Beating Rublev, who is a great player, gives you a lot of confidence,” he commented. “Obviously it’s a little bit more special to win after the loss in the first match.’
“I’ve been struggling with my level the last few months. Playing this match in this quality, at this level, it’s really helpful for me coming into the third one (match). I’m really happy to show this level and realize that my level is still there, giving myself a chance in this tournament.”
Alcaraz has now beaten 10 top 10 players this season. To put that into perspective, only two other men under the age of 21 have done this since 2000 – Rafael Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt.
