Jannik Sinner lifts lid on Carlos Alcaraz relationship and if pair are 'enemies'

Jannik Sinner has opened up on his relationship with his biggest competitor, Carlos Alcaraz. The young stars have formed an exciting rivalry and have already faced off 14 times in their careers. The pair have shared the last seven Grand Slam titles.

Back in the days of the prime Big Three, it took a while for Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to overcome their competitive spirit and become friends off the court. But Sinner has admitted that he and Alcaraz already have a good bond, and are only "enemies" when they step on the match court.

"I think that we have a good friendship also off the court. It's something great to see. We see that this is possible, you know. It's not like you have to be enemies also off the court," the four-time Grand Slam champion said after reaching the US Open quarter-finals.

"Of course we are enemies when we step on the court. We try to play our best tennis, but it ends there. After the handshake, everything is fine again. That's great to see.

Sinner also believes they have plenty in common when it comes to their work ethic and values.

He added: "We have great teams around us. We have also a normal life outside of tennis, which means he loves to play golf. You know, I have my passions. In the same time, we practice very hard. We have the team which supports us, who is very honest with us.

"But I think many players are like this. You know, tennis is very important, and it depends also how much you are able to sacrifice for the sport because you have to.

"But yeah, I think it's nice just to be, one thing is to be a good tennis player; the other one is to be a good person. Two different things. I think we have both a little bit. So it's good."

While Sinner and Alcaraz maintain a friendship off the court, they could well become enemies again this week in Flushing Meadows.

The two young Major champions are on a collision course to meet in Sunday's championship match. If they both make it there, it would be the third successive Grand Slam final they've contested.

They're also locked in battle for the world No. 1 ranking. As the defending champion in New York, Sinner can only retain or lose the ranking points he earned in 2024. And the Italian must surpass Alcaraz at the US Open in order to keep his spot at the top.

After reaching the quarter-finals, Alcaraz addressed their chase for the No. 1 position and talked up their rivalry.

"Right now, Jannik and I, we are fighting for the No. 1 spot. We're fighting for the Grand Slams. We've played two finals already this year. A few Masters 1000 finals. So we're fighting for the great things in tennis, and I think that makes a good rivalry," he explained.

"That's what is making us a really good rivalry and that's what the Big Three did. They played the Grand Slam final, and they split the No. 1 spot for a really long time. I would say that's what makes a really good rivalry."

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