After beating Novak Djokovic last night, Jannik Sinner is set to renew his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.
It will mark by far the biggest clash of their budding rivalry; they contested their first-ever Masters 1000 final just last month.
However, with both boasting an unbeaten record in Grand Slam finals, somebody’s perfect record has to go this Sunday.
It is this, alongside an already red-hot rivalry that has the tennis world thrilled to watch the upcoming men’s final.
Seeking to preview the event, whilst also looking back on what have been many thrilling matches played between the two, Jannik Sinner spoke about Carlos Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner reviews his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of French Open final
Asked in his post-match interview about the Spaniard and the rivalry they share, the reporter questioned whether they were already at the level held by Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic.
His answer was simple: ‘It takes time to compare us with the Big Three or the Big Four. I think only time can tell to be honest.
‘For sure from my point of view he is a player who makes me a better player. He pushes me to the limit.
‘We try to understand where we have to improve for the next time I play against him and I believe tennis or every sport needs rivalries.
‘This could be potentially one of these but there are amazing players coming up. There can be so many different [thing happen] and other players join or one drops, and you never know, so this question I cannot really answer.
‘I think we cannot compare me and Carlos with the Big Three.’
Ironically, Andre Agassi pinpointed a Sinner trait that he thinks is better than Alcaraz, which could prove the difference this Sunday.
Jannik Sinner says if he enjoys playing Carlos Alcaraz
Sinner has not enjoyed the best of times playing Alcaraz in recent years though, with the 22-year-old arguably the only player on tour who can consistently challenge the world number one.
He has won their last four meetings and leads their head-to-head by seven wins to four.
And yet, Sinner insists there is enjoyment in facing a player of his calibre.
He continued: ‘It is fun and not fun, it’s both ways. But I think we try to push ourselves in the best possible way. I believe when there is a good match it is also good to play.
‘It’s not only to watch but also to play. It is very special and the stage does not get any bigger now. A Grand Slam final against Carlos is a special moment for me and for him too.
‘He won here last year, so let’s see what is coming. But for sure the tension that you feel before the match and during the match is a little bit different in a way, because we are both very young and different.’
Sunday’s French Open final promises to be the best iteration of their rivalry yet, with the stakes higher than ever.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
