Good Friends? Carlos Alcaraz sends warning message to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner after Wimbledon loss

Carlos Alcaraz has just 60 points to defend until the US Open, and is vying for the top spot.

Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed an excellent start to the season and has already booked his spot for the ATP Finals. Despite the recent setback in the Wimbledon final, which halted the Spaniard’s two-year reign in London, Alcaraz is in good spirits, hoping for an even-improved showing at the upcoming hard-court swing.

The 22-year-old has already opted out of the Canadian Open, citing the need for rest and recovery. He is set to return to Cincinnati, and the fact that he has plenty of points to gain over the rest of the North American swing will give him lots of motivation.

In a recent interview, the five-time Grand Slam champion opened up about his ambitions for the rest of the year. On that note, let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing excerpts from his latest interview with the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Here’s what Carlos Alcaraz said:

Is finishing the 2025 calendar year as the World No. 1 on your checklist?

“Yes, I’m ready. Last year, after the Olympics, I struggled to express myself and did not achieve the results I wanted. So, from now on, I won’t have many points to defend until the end of the season. I’ll give it my all in the upcoming tournaments to win as many points as possible.”

“I know Sinner doesn’t care if he has many points to defend; he’s a great fighter who always plays to win and doesn’t let that affect him. But right now, I’m ready for the challenge. My primary goal is to reclaim the top spot in the rankings. Now I’m preparing for the American tournaments. So I can be in top form for the US Open,” he added.

How would you describe your rivalry with Jannik Sinner, and do you see any parallels between it and the legendary rivalries among the Big Three?

“It’s a great thing for our sport, because it encourages people to watch and play tennis. Our matches, like the latest ones at the French Open and Wimbledon, are always highly anticipated. The more matches we play against each other, the more people we will involve in this sport. Also, because every time we face each other, we both push ourselves beyond our limits.” 

Can you elaborate on your equation with Jannik Sinner?

“Tennis is a unique sport that allows you to be great rivals on the court and, at the same time, maintain mutual respect. Sinner and I are good friends; we can talk about many things off the court. I have great respect for him; he’s a great person; I’m sure we’ll always be able to maintain this relationship.” 

Are you satisfied with your performance this season so far?

“I have to say the season has gone well. I’ve done great things, I’ve achieved many of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the year, so I’m happy with everything I’ve accomplished on the pitch so far, and I hope to continue like this for the rest of the year.”

Can u reflect on the Roland Garros final and tell us how u sparked that incredible turnaround?

“I often think about it, and I still don’t know how I managed to turn that match around. The truth is that in sport, but not only in sport, you have to keep believing, believing all the way. Tennis is a long and demanding journey, and you’re completely alone with your thoughts.”

“So the key, in the Roland Garros final against Jannik Sinner, was that: believing you can win the match, even in the most difficult moments, without letting yourself get discouraged,” he added.

What went wrong for you during the Wimbledon final?

“That’s what I thought at the time. Jannik was extraordinary. I gave what I could, and in any case, I’m happy with the path I took.”

We have seen you smile and enjoy the sport a lot over the past few weeks. Does this help you deal with the pressure of the modern game and bring out the best in you?

“For me, it’s like that. It all depends on the mental approach. For me, it’s just about playing tennis, so I don’t think about anything else. Every time I have to face a match, I remind myself that this is my dream and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do since I was a child. It’s the easiest way to handle all the pressure. I just focus on the game, and that’s enough.”

Can you talk about mental health in a sport as difficult and intense as tennis?

“Yes, I’ve had her (a mental coach) for about five years now, and she helps me a lot. I feel the difference compared to the past. Sometimes I get negative thoughts, but she helps me manage them. She gave me advice on how to deal with match stress, and things have improved a lot.”

“Like I said, it’s all in the head. But it’s not just a mental issue: it also depends on the match, how you approach it, everything,” he added.

How do you handle social media pressure and criticism?

“I try not to think about it too much, because there was a time when I was influenced by criticism, and that was very difficult. So now I try not to give too much weight to certain words that are said. Over the years, I’ve realized that every small step counts and that you can learn even from defeats.”

“You don’t have to be a star every day; the important thing is to be consistent and strive to improve. Always,” he added.

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