Carlos Alcaraz’s quest to secure the elusive Sunshine Double feat was crushed after being defeated by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Miami Open.
Alcaraz’s 10 match win streak came to end after the Italian came from a set down to triumph 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2, therefore ending the Spaniards bid to become the first male player to win the Sunshine Double since Roger Federer in 2017.
The loss also means Alcaraz will lose the No. 1 ranking to Novak Djokovic as he was defending his 1000 ranking points from his victory in Miami last year, but the Spaniard revealed it was losing the Sunshine Double that hurt the most.
‘’I had my opportunities to break in the second set and serving for the match, but really against Sinner is always a tough battle," Alcaraz said during his press conference.
"It's tough to put into words but I think it was a great match for both.
‘’I don't think about that I lost the No. 1, I lost the Sunshine Double. Of course, it's a shame, but I think I'm gonna have more years to try to get it.’’
Touching upon his budding rivalry with Sinner, Alcaraz explained that their matches are ‘different’ and ‘beautiful to watch’ while also acknowledging that the support he receives is a big factor in his recovery after difficult losses.
‘’I feel something different about the crowd when I play against Sinner,’’ he added.
‘’I think around the world is probably all the people watching this match because I think it’s beautiful to watch.
‘’It was an incredible crowd. I felt the energy, the love from the people when I was down. So, for me it’s unbelievable this kind of feeling, this kind of support.
‘’After 15, 20 minutes I start thinking about positive things, about the match, the season, the tournament, and talking with my team, my family. After that I start to have good things on my mind, I come to the press conference smiling.’’
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