‘Both are very difficult’ – Sinner compares winning ‘Sunshine Double’ to Grand Slams
Video credit: SNTV
Carlos Alcaraz has revealed the “few things” he is looking to improve on in his battle to retain the world No. 1 spot amid pressure from Jannik Sinner.
Earlier this month, the 22-year-old Spaniard raised a few eyebrows when he conceded that Sinner would seize the No. 1 crown from him in the coming weeks.Alcaraz has topped the ATP rankings since last October, but his Italian counterpart is hot on his heels – and on course to dethrone him should he win this week’s Monte-Carlo Masters.
“On Jannik and the world No. 1 ranking, I saw that a lot of people didn’t expect me to say that,” Alcaraz told TNT Sports. “But that’s the truth. Jannik has a few really important tournaments coming up where he can get a lot of points.
“I have to defend it all, and it can be really tricky. It’s going to be hard, but that’s also the beauty of our fight as well.
“He’s going to become world No. 1 again, and I’m going to then try to push him to the limit to then reclaim No. 1 as soon as possible. This fight for the No. 1 has been really beautiful so far.”
When asked how he could have the edge over his rival, Alcaraz continued: “I have a few things that I really want to be better at.
“Of course, the serve. It’s something I’ve put so many hours in, not just on the court but also off it.
“Thinking about how I can improve the movement, the throw of the ball, the technique, the feeling.
“I think it’s really important, not only how you do it on the court, but how you think about it off the court. I’m just trying to get better at that.”
Alcaraz reflects on French Open lessons
Alcaraz has already proven he has the fight and mental strength required to, if needed, recapture the world No. 1 spot.
Indeed, last year he recovered from two sets down – saving three championship points on the way – to beat Sinner in one of the all-time great French Open finals.
“I have a lot of things to keep from that match,” Alcaraz reflected. “But [what sticks with me most] is the fight. The fact that I never gave up.
“Even when I was down a break in the fourth set at 0-40, I was still fighting, still believing that I could come back.
“That’s the thing I still keep from that match. I’ve tried to do it in every match.
“When things aren’t necessarily going well, I think I can come back, I can do better and still find a way to escape from bad situations. I think I learned a lesson from that moment.”
TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to watch live on HBO Max.