Jannik Sinner: “It is difficult for the tournament not to have Alcaraz two years in a row”

The Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner commented this Tuesday that it is “difficult” for the Mutua Madrid Open not to have Carlos Alcaraz in two consecutive editions, a rival with whom in the tournaments he shares it is always on his “mind” to “play in the final” against him, although he has acknowledged that the road to the title is “very long.”

“It is difficult for the tournament not to have Alcaraz two years in a row, and this year not to have Novak (Djokovic). We have shared many tournaments since last year. In my mind, in the tournaments, I know that I want to play against Carlos in the final. The road to the final is very long and in the final anything can happen. But at the same time I also go day by day because there are difficult challenges ahead,” the Italian tennis player confessed to the media on the day before his debut at the Mutua Madrid Open.

Sinner pointed out that in his meeting with Alcaraz at the Laureus awards gala he did not talk about his injury. “It’s very private. I hope he can return as soon as possible. It’s a shame not to have him here, and neither is Novak, because they are two great tennis stars. I hope it’s a good tournament, but not seeing them feels strange,” he said.

As for the Spanish public, the one from San Candido expressed that the people and fans are “very passionate” in Madrid and that he believes that this is “important for the players.” “When we see a good connection with the public, it makes playing very special. I think I have a good relationship with the public in Spain and also with Carlos (Alcaraz). We have a good friendship. I really want to go out and play,” he stressed.

The transalpine also spoke about the special conditions that the Mutua Madrid Open has: “It is a unique style of play. It is at a high altitude and can be cold at times, so it is very difficult to play. But I think that all types of conditions can help me improve as a player. Madrid is one of the most challenging tournaments. Let’s see why I have never won here.”

On the other hand, he dispelled any type of doubt regarding his physical condition, and noted that he feels “very good.” “Now we are trying to prepare for the tournament. Let’s see how I feel because the plan is to play and try to do the best possible. We go day by day, but in my mind the most important thing is Roland Garros, so we try to maximize and be in the best possible shape,” he admitted.