Carlos Alcaraz has heaped praise on Jannik Sinner following their electrifying showdown at the Cincinnati Open, admitting the Italian star brings out the best in him.
The Spanish sensation, who narrowly edged past Sinner in a gripping three-set encounter, described their rivalry as one that constantly pushes him to raise his game.
'Every match against Jannik is a battle,' Alcaraz told reporters after the match. 'He makes me play at my absolute limit. That's what I love about facing him - he forces me to improve.'
A Rivalry That's Defining Modern Tennis
The young stars have developed one of the most compelling rivalries in men's tennis, with their Cincinnati clash marking their seventh career meeting. Their matches have become must-watch events, blending power, speed and tactical brilliance.
Key moments from their Cincinnati duel:
- A breathtaking 31-shot rally in the second set
- Sinner's remarkable comeback from 1-4 down in the tiebreak
- Alcaraz's clutch serving under pressure in the decider
The Mutual Respect Between Generational Talents
What makes their rivalry special is the evident respect between the two players. 'We're both young and trying to make our mark,' Alcaraz explained. 'When I see Jannik improving, it motivates me to work even harder.'
The 20-year-old Spaniard believes these early career battles will shape both their futures. 'These are the matches we'll look back on in ten years and remember how we pushed each other to become better players.'
With the US Open looming, tennis fans can only hope for another chapter in this burgeoning rivalry at Flushing Meadows.
