Carlos Alcaraz says what his relationship with Jannik Sinner is really like after beating him in the China Open final

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have perhaps unintentionally created the most exciting rivalry in tennis.

Roger Federer once stole such rivalry headlines given his constant battles with the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, with Andy Murry also getting involved.

But now the mantle has fallen upon Alcaraz and Sinner after their hugely entertaining China Open final clash, which the former won 6-7(6-8), 6-4, 7-6(7-3).

They have now met 10 times on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard boasting six wins compared to the Italian’s four.

Intriguingly, Alcaraz has now won all three of their meetings this season, with his latest success marking the first time either has won three successive matches against the other.

Carlos Alcaraz says what his relationship with Jannik Sinner is like

With the rivalry undoubtedly comes a mutual respect, with the two superstars constantly pushing each other to raise their game.

Speaking after his China Open win, Alcaraz told Sky Sports Tennis exactly how he feels about the Italian, saying: “Once we are on tour, travelling, at tournaments, on site, we are with our teams and on our own, so we [Alcaraz and Sinner] don’t speak too much.

“But when we can, we talk a little bit besides tennis, about life. But not too much. It means we have a good relationship but we are not close friends. I think the respect we have puts us in a position that we have a really good relationship.”

Carlos Alcaraz enjoys superb China Open run after miserable US Open

Alcaraz was undoubtedly expecting a lengthy run at the US Open after winning the French Open and Wimbledon.

But he suffered a shock second round exit, with the Spaniard clearly wanting to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

Team success followed at the Laver Cup, but he now boasts another individual win with his China Open success.

Alcaraz never gave up against Sinner, having been forced to come from 0-3 behind in the deciding-set tie-break.

It was a superb tournament in general for the Spaniard, with Alcaraz clinching his 200th tour-level win in the China Open second round.