Jannik Sinner has confirmed if his on-court relationship with Carlos Alcaraz translates away from the match court.
Sinner was unable to finish the year as world number one, but he still had one last chance to get bragging rights over Alcaraz this year.
As the defending champion and home favourite, Sinner showcased his improvements to beat Alcaraz in straight sets.
This was the sixth final between Sinner and Alcaraz this year, and it has now been confirmed if they actually get on away from the match court.
Jannik Sinner reveals if he considers Carlos Alcaraz one of his friends
There appeared to be a lot of warmth between Sinner and Alcaraz after playing their final at the ATP Finals in Turin, and the Italian was asked in his post-match press conference if he really considers the world number one his friend.
Sinner responded by claiming that he is ‘good friends’ with both Alcaraz and his team, and also named two other ATP players who he gets on with.
“Well, I feel like we had this conversation a bit with Darren [Cahill] (Sinner’s coach),” said Sinner. “He used to play back in the day. Players, they used to go dinner, having dinner together, because the teams were not as big. It was maybe player plus one. You tend to be a bit more together. You open up yourself. You tell stories in the locker room.
“I still feel it’s a bit like this. You have your more favourite not players but friends in the locker room. You talk a bit in different ways.
“Of course, I believe that Carlos has great friends and I have great friends, too. You tend to go a bit more in the national team because it’s normal. You spend more time with Italians.
“I do have also other players I feel very close to: Jack Draper, Reilly Opelka, these kind of friendships. I feel they’re honest and you can get along very well.
“But with Carlos is also a bit different because of on-court reasons. We have a very good relationship, rivalry, call it however. I feel like we can talk about everything still.
“I think it’s great. We are good friends off the court. We do respect each other in a very healthy way. Also the teams, my team, get along very well with them. I think it’s a good harmony. In the same time there’s also the work and all the rest behind, which it’s all about balance.”
Jannik Sinner rates his 2025 season after winning the ATP Finals
It has been another impressive season for Sinner, who won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the ATP Finals, alongside three other titles this year.
Is Jannik Sinner currently the best player in the world?
This has all happened even when Sinner missed three months from tennis after his ban, and he was asked to compare his 2025 season to 2024, where he also won two major titles.
Although he was not keen on the comparison idea, Sinner still appeared to be very pleased with how his year has played out.
“Well, look, honestly I don’t want to compare. It’s [an] amazing season,” said Sinner. “Last year has been an amazing season. This year making four Grand Slam finals, coming here, winning here, having this big streak in end of the year, it’s amazing.
“But mostly I feel to be a better player than last year, I think this is the most important. It’s all part of the process. I always say and believe that if you keep working and trying to be a better player, the results, they’re going to come. This year it was like this.
“Of course, as I always say, the off-season, now we have a lot of time to adjust ourself already for next season, being as ready as possible.
“Honestly, amazing season, no? Many, many wins, and not many losses. All the losses I had, I tried to see the positive thing and trying to evolve me as a player. I feel like or I felt like this happened in a very good way. I’m extremely happy with the season.”
After Sinner elected to skip the Davis Cup Finals, his victory at the ATP Finals has confirmed the end of his 2025 season.
The world number two will return to the ATP Tour next year, where he will look to win the Australian Open for a third consecutive year.
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