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Jannik Sinner explains what makes playing against Carlos Alcaraz so difficult

Originally posted on HITC | By Liam McMillen | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 6:52 AM ET

The Italian speaks candidly about why the ATP’s leading rivalry pushes him to his limits.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have defined men’s tennis over the past two seasons, splitting the last eight Grand Slams and turning every meeting into must-watch theatre. Their rivalry has now reached the stage where each match feels like a blueprint for the future of the sport — high-octane rallies, fearless shot-making and two players who rarely blink.

Alcaraz currently holds the upper hand, winning four of their six ATP Tour clashes, and Sinner says there are specific elements of the Spaniard’s game that consistently stretch him to breaking point.

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Jannik Sinner breaks down what makes Carlos Alcaraz so difficult to beat

Speaking to Tennis Korea, Sinner was unequivocal in his praise for his closest rival. He highlighted Alcaraz’s all-court strength, speed and unwavering mentality as the traits that make their encounters so demanding.

“He has virtually no weaknesses,” Sinner said, noting that Alcaraz’s ability to “play every point like it’s the last” forces him to raise his level constantly. He added that the Spaniard’s pace around the court and unpredictable match patterns make it “incredibly difficult to break through him anywhere.”

Sinner and Alcaraz already set for next showdown in January

Although the ATP Tour is in its off-season, the rivalry will resume sooner than expected. The pair will meet in South Korea on 10 January for the Hyundai Card Super Match, an exhibition taking place just eight days before the Australian Open.

It will be their second exhibition in quick succession following their clash at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia. Sinner enters Melbourne as defending champion, while Alcaraz will attempt to complete the Career Grand Slam — adding another layer of intrigue ahead of their next official battle.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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