Sinner: ‘Tennis Thrives with Alcaraz in the Mix’
The Italian star shares his reflections after Alcaraz’s recent withdrawal from the Rome and Roland Garros tournaments.
April 24, 2026
Image Credit: Getty Images
Jannik Sinner excelling on the court in Madrid.
By ATP Staff
In a hard-fought match at the Mutua Madrid Open, Jannik Sinner secured a challenging three-set win on Friday. But the media’s curiosity extended beyond the match result.
The World No. 1 addressed a significant topic: Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the upcoming Rome and Roland Garros events. Sinner emphasized Alcaraz’s vital role in elevating the sport.
“It’s crucial to acknowledge that tennis truly benefits from Carlos’s presence,” Sinner, a proud eight-time Masters 1000 champion, remarked. “The sport shines brighter when he’s a part of it.”
Demonstrating camaraderie, Sinner highlighted how Alcaraz’s involvement adds a unique dimension to his tournament perspective.
“Having him around enhances my outlook on the draw,” he noted. “Even if I were to face him, it would always be in the finals.”
For Sinner, respect takes precedence over rivalry in moments like these. His thoughts are firmly centered on Alcaraz’s recovery.
“I fully believe he will return even stronger,” Sinner expressed. “I hope for no further injuries and trust that he and his team will take the necessary time.”
“Rushing back can lead to bigger issues down the line. We all want to see him competitive upon his return.”
Meanwhile, Sinner remains focused on his journey in Madrid. After facing a rocky start, he managed to triumph over Benjamin Bonzi with a score of 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4 in his opening match. The 24-year-old aims to make history by becoming the first player since 1990 to win five consecutive Masters 1000 titles.
“The opening match was quite challenging,” he admitted. “I had to battle hard through these unique conditions. I’m content with my performance.”
“Sure, I know there’s room for improvement, but the critical takeaway today was securing the win. Now, I’ll see how the next match unfolds.”
On the same day, Sinner enjoyed a friendly gathering with ATP No.1 Club member Rafael Nadal and Real Madrid stars Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham at Santiago Bernabeu, creating memorable moments with fellow athletes.
“Seeing Rafa back was really special,” Sinner expressed. “It was a delightful afternoon.”
“Jude is an outstanding player, one of my idols. His humility, despite being at the top for so long, was incredible to witness. Courtois and I had some time together after leaving, allowing us to chat about various topics. It was wonderful.”
