Carlos Alcaraz believes his defeat to Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s Wimbledon final will redefine the already-established rivalry, Afrosport reports.
The 22-year-old Spaniard was favourite to win at SW19 for the third year in a row having beaten Sinner in their previous five head-to-head meetings, including last month’s French Open final.
The Italian however came out on top after losing the first set to ultimately win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, capturing his first Grand Slam title on grass and fourth of his career.
“I’m just really happy about having this rivalry with him. I think it’s great for us, and it is great for tennis,” Alcaraz said.
“Every time we’re playing against each other, I think our level is really high. I think we don’t watch a level like this, if I’m honest with you. I don’t see any player playing against each other, having the level that we are playing when we face each other.”
Alcaraz added: “As I said many times, this rivalry, it’s getting better and better. We’re building a really great rivalry because we’re playing the finals of a Grand Slam, the final of Masters tournaments.
“It’s going to be better and better. Just really grateful for that because it gives me the opportunity to give my 100 percent every practice, every day.
“Just to be better, thanks to that. The level that I have to maintain and I have to raise if I want to beat Jannik is really high.”
Congratulations @janniksin for your first Wimbledon 🏆! Very well deserved! 🤝🏻 Thank you everyone for your support! 💚 I feel at home and it’s really special to play here! 🫶🏻 See you all next year! pic.twitter.com/IRrftANFlm
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 13, 2025
Alcaraz will focus his attention on the final Grand Slam of the year at the US Open, where he won previously in 2022 when he defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud in four sets.
