'He Has a Big Target on His Back': Carlos Alcaraz's Strong Jannik Sinner Message as US Open Begins

While speaking to the media, Alcaraz spoke about potentially facing Sinner in the finals and how he would welcome that challenge. He said, “It could a great thing to do. The last 3 grand slams on hardcourts, he won it. It's been unbelievable, the tennis he's bringing on hardcourts.

“I just look up to him in some way just to be ready if I have to face him somewhere. It's gonna be great. I'm just getting ready for the tournament just to do good results and hopefully meet him in the final. It could be a great result, having a good run here. If I beat him, much more. He has a big target on his back.”

A Closer Look at the Road to the Final for Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz heads into this year’s US Open in a very different place compared to 2024. Last year, he came to New York still stinging from an Olympic final loss to Novak Djokovic and crashed out early in a shock defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.

This time, he arrives with momentum, fresh off winning his eighth Masters 1000 crown in Cincinnati. Alcaraz says having extra time at home to rest and recharge made a huge difference, and it showed in his recent form. His opener, though, won’t be easy — standing across the net is 6’11” Reilly Opelka, whose massive serve presents a unique challenge. Still, Alcaraz insists he feels confident, comfortable and ready for the fight ahead.

If he clears that hurdle, Daniil Medvedev looms in the fourth round, a matchup nobody takes lightly. Things don’t ease up in the quarters either, where Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud could be waiting. And should Alcaraz make it all the way through, the semi final could pit him against Novak Djokovic or last year’s runner-up, Taylor Fritz. 

Simply put, Alcaraz has one of the toughest routes in the tournament, and every round will be a battle.