Carlos Alcaraz hopes to end Sinner's dominance on hardcourt

Dubai: Carlos Alcaraz believes he’s better equipped than ever to put an end to Jannik Sinner’s dominance on Grand Slam hard courts.

“I think he’s won the last three hard-court Slams, if I’m not mistaken,” Alcaraz said. “The level of tennis he’s playing on that surface has been unbelievable. I definitely look up to him in that way and want to be ready if we face each other again. It would be great—hopefully in the final. He’s got a big target on his back now.”

World No 1 Sinner is aiming for back-to-back US Open titles in New York, following consecutive Australian Open wins in 2024 and 2025. The 24-year-old Italian hasn’t lost a Grand Slam hardcourt match since falling to Alexander Zverev in the fourth round of the US Open two years ago.

Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in last week’s Cincinnati Open final after the Italian retired while trailing 5-0 in the first set, said snapping Sinner’s Grand Slam streak would be “a great thing to do.”

Their rivalry has become one of the most compelling narratives in men’s tennis. The pair have already met in two Grand Slam finals this year, with Alcaraz winning an epic five-setter at Roland Garros and Sinner responding with a victory at Wimbledon.

Alcaraz also edged Sinner in a classic five-set quarter-final en route to winning the 2022 US Open.

“Every time we play, we push each other to the limit,” Alcaraz said. “There’s a lot of mutual respect and a good relationship off the court too, which I think makes it even more special.”

The 22-year-old Spaniard, who was knocked out in the second round at last year’s US Open, feels much better prepared this time around, especially without the added pressure of the Olympic Games in the lead-up.

“This year, I’ve had more time to rest and recharge,” Alcaraz said. “I’ve had proper days off, which has helped me mentally and physically. I’m feeling fresh and hungry again.”

That renewed energy was evident in Cincinnati, and Alcaraz is hoping to carry that momentum into Flushing Meadows, where he begins his US Open campaign against Reilly Opelka in the opening round on Monday.