What keeps happening to Jannik Sinner on clay which looks a big worry ahead of the French Open

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It’s hard to deny that Jannik Sinner is currently the best player in men’s tennis, but the gap between him and Carlos Alcaraz is getting smaller.

Sinner missed three months of action before returning at the Italian Open and reaching the final before running into an Alcaraz-sized juggernaut.

It was the first time the Italian had lost in 26 matches when he was beaten in Sunday’s final, and a reset is required before the French Open gets underway on Sunday.

The 23-year-old has been the sport’s dominant force for the last 18 months, winning 85 of his 92 matches and winning nine titles across that period.

However, on the back of Sunday’s final against Alcaraz, there is something that keeps happening to Sinner that is proving a big worry ahead of Roland Garros.

• READ MORE: Jannik Sinner reveals what his least favourite surface is

Big worry facing Jannik Sinner ahead of French Open

The tournament in Paris is always a difficult one for many players, given the difficult nature of adapting to life playing tennis on the clay.

Some of the game’s greats have struggled and Sinner is perhaps facing a bit of a confidence crisis when it comes to playing the very best players on clay courts.

After Sunday’s defeat to Alcaraz in the final, he’s now won just one of his last 10 matches against top-five players on clay, offering him cause for concern

What might give him some confidence is that his only win on clay over a top-five player in his last 10 matches came against Alcaraz at the Croatia Open in 2022.

Sinner facing huge challenge to win French Open

The difficulty for Sinner going into this year’s French Open is that whilst he’s been banned, Alcaraz has hit his straps and got himself into some brilliant form on a favoured surface of his.

The Spaniard has worked hard to close the gap on Sinner at the top of the world rankings and after winning a maiden French Open crown last year, he will now look to defend it.

Sinner shouldn’t be completely discounted for the title. He is still the best player in the world according to the rankings and can beat anybody on his day.

This record against top players on clay, however, is a cause for concern and after missing three months of action, playing regular five-set matches could take its toll on Sinner.