Jannik Sinner will play Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. © APA / afp / ADRIAN DENNIS
It was the duel for the future of tennis. Jannik Sinner against Carlos Alcaraz, two names that should make their mark on the ATP tour in the next few years. In the most recent edition of this budding rivalry, it was Sinner who claimed the title of top dog.
July 04, 2022
From: do
In 4 sets, the South Tyrolean defeated the 19-year-old Spaniard in over 3 hours on Wimbledon’s Center Court. After Jannik Sinner was able to celebrate his first Tour victory on grass a few days ago, the 20-year-old’s success story in Wimbledon continues: “Certainly the grass is a different surface. But in general I think I’ve improved compared to before, just like he (Alcaraz) did. I think this time we both showed that we are physically strong because the fight was quite difficult,” said the Sextner after his victory against Alcaraz.
Even in good times, the South Tyrolean always remains modest and has only positive things left for his rival, who may be bitter in the long run: “Carlos and I both showed very good tennis and a great attitude. Hopefully this is the start of a top-flight rivalry, but you never know what can happen. There are so many other players who are playing incredibly well, even though we’re both the youngest at the top of the leaderboard at the moment. We’ll see.” It was Sinner’s first win ever against the young star from south-east Spain. This had always had the upper hand in the previous two clashes.
An image that the tennis world will see more often. © APA / afp / ADRIAN DENNIS
The match on Sunday promised a lot for the future. Thrilling rallies and breathtaking winners on both sides. Sinner’s first victory over the Spaniard demanded everything from the South Tyrolean: “It’s difficult to start again after a missed match point, but that’s part of the game. I’m happy with how I reacted at the start of the fourth set. I tried to change a few things tactically, which I managed to do. But at some point he also started trying something different and varying his game.”
“Novak is playing very well, but I would do my best.”
Jannik Sinner
Sinner is now facing his third quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament in his young career. One of the best tennis players of all time is waiting there: Novak Djokovic. The Serb prevailed against the Dutchman Tim van Rijthoven in four sets on Sunday and is now asking Sinner to duel the generations. The South Tyrolean spoke about a possible clash immediately after the win against Alcaraz: “A match against Djokovic? It was going to be a difficult game, of course. Novak is playing very well but I would do my best. That’s the least I can do: enjoy every moment on the pitch, which I did against Alcaraz. The main goal now is to recover as much as possible for the next game.”
