Jannik Sinner
Sinner: ‘Tennis is a much better sport when Alcaraz is around’
Italian shared his thoughts following Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Rome and Roland Garros
April 24, 2026
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Jannik Sinner in action on Friday in Madrid.
By ATP Staff
Jannik Sinner earned a tough three-set victory Friday at the Mutua Madrid Open. But the media wanted to know about more than just the match.
The World No. 1 fielded a question about the news that Carlos Alcaraz will not compete at Rome and Roland Garros. The Italian made clear how important his rival is for the sport.
“I think what’s most important is to say that tennis needs Carlos,” the eight-time Masters 1000 champion said. “Tennis is a much better sport when he’s around.”
Sinner expressed his support for the 22-year-old and explained that Alcaraz’s presence in the draw adds a different perspective on how he views the tournament.
“For me, it’s nice when he’s around,” he said. “It makes me look at the draw and see the matches in a different way. Even if I were to face Carlos, it would always be in the final.”
The Italian made it clear that competition takes a back seat to respect in moments like this. His focus is on Alcaraz’s recovery.
“I do believe he’s going to come back stronger than before,” Sinner said. “I hope he’s going to come back and he will not have any further injuries. But I also believe that it’s good that he and his team take the time.
“If you come back too early, then maybe you have a bigger problem afterwards. We all want that he’s competitive when he comes back.”
Sinner continues to focus on his own path in Madrid. The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings recovered from a slow start to outlast Benjamin Bonzi 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4 in his opening match in the Spanish capital. The 24-year-old is aiming to become the first player in series history (since 1990) to win five consecutive Masters 1000 titles.
“It was a tough opening match,” he shared. “I [tried] to battle through somehow with very unique conditions here. I’m trying to get used to them. I’m happy.
“I know that I have to improve, but today the most important part was to win somehow, and then we’ll see how the next one goes.”
In addition to the competition, on Friday, Sinner participated in a friendly session with ATP No.1 Club member Rafael Nadal and Real Madrid stars Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham at Santiago Bernabeu. The 24-year-old had a great time with the fellow sporting stars.
“To see Rafa back was something very special, Sinner said. “It was a very nice afternoon.
“Jude is an amazing player and one of my idols. He’s been at the top of the game for many years, and being this humble, it was something very nice to experience. Courtois, we had a little bit more time because we left from here together, and talked about different stuff. It was really nice.”
