Alcaraz: ‘It's nice to have Sinner as a focus’

Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz: ‘It is nice to have Sinner as a focus’

The Spaniard is the highest seed this week on the ATP 500 in Barcelona

April 13, 2026

Even when he has greater than sufficient cause to take action, it appears Carlos Alcaraz simply can’t cease smiling. Simply hours after bowing out within the ultimate of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and surrendering the No. 1 spot within the PIF ATP Rankings, he seems to have digested the frustration of defeat remarkably effectively. The Spaniard, who just lately touched down in his residence nation to compete on this week’s Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, spoke about his intense battle for the highest with Jannik Sinner.

“Jannik is a type of gamers who makes me a greater participant. He makes me realise my weaknesses, what I really want to give attention to in every observe session and every match, so I attempt to enhance every single day,” Alcaraz stated. “It is nice to have him as a focus and to see him attaining all that he is attaining.”

Alcaraz and Sinner kicked off their season’s Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry on Sunday within the ultimate of the ATP Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo, the place the Italian claimed his first title within the class on clay.

“Actually, I am glad to see Jannik bettering,” Alcaraz, who was the defending champion, stated. “He has overtly stated that the clay swing wasn’t his favorite due to his enjoying fashion. Seeing the outcomes he’s getting and the extent he’s exhibiting on clay makes me completely happy, as a result of he’s the participant who makes me enhance, makes me cease and take into consideration how I could be higher, and what I have to work on to try to beat him.”

The Spaniard, who final season took the spoils in Monte-Carlo, Rome and at Roland Garros, should face the most effective model of the Italian if he needs to repeat his success on the floor. Sinner has gained the primary three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments of the season, two on onerous courtroom and one other on clay.

“I am glad to see him making large strides, particularly on clay,” Alcaraz stated. “He’s overwhelmed me on each floor, and I’ve additionally overwhelmed him on each floor. After we face one another, there is not any favorite whatever the floor, so we’ll see how this clay swing goes. Hopefully it’s going to be like final yr.”

For Alcaraz, the tour continues on the ATP 500 in Barcelona, the place he’s the highest seed.

“I will not miss him this week,” Alcaraz joked concerning the Italian’s absence from the draw. “I noticed that I’ve to win the match right here if I need to get the No. 1 again. I feel the battle between Jannik and myself is nice. I feel it most likely offers further motivation.

“However we’re centered, and my thoughts is ready on attempting to remain on the trail we’re on, attempting to maintain bettering. We’re very clear about what we have to do and put into observe in coaching and in matches, particularly after yesterday’s defeat. That’s the principle purpose, outcomes and factors are further motivation.”

Barcelona represents one other alternative for Alcaraz. The battle for the highest continues.