Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz Talks About Jannik Sinner Rivalry – Eyes New Opportunities at Tokyo Open 2025

Alcaraz shares thoughts on Sinner rivalry and prepares for Tokyo challenges

Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has already kicked off his Tokyo campaign with a straight-sets victory over Sebastian Baez, overcoming match delays and an ankle injury scare along the way. Nothing seemed capable of stopping the six-time Grand Slam champion. Ahead of the tournament, Alcaraz reflected on his ongoing rivalry with Jannik Sinner and the fresh challenges awaiting him in Japan. At a pre-tournament press conference, he addressed questions about last year’s Beijing triumph over Sinner and whether avoiding the Italian in Tokyo came as a relief.

“Is it a relief that you’re not playing the same tournament [as Sinner]?”@carlosalcaraz: “It’s not a relief to be honest. I love playing against him.” pic.twitter.com/YMvpYQ0eKF
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 25, 2025

“Well, it’s not a relief, to be honest. I love playing against him. I think every time we play against each other, I mean, it helped me to play better and to increase my level, which I love,” Alcaraz said with a laugh. “But, I wanted to play in a different place, in a different stadium that I haven’t played ever. So that’s for me the change, but you know, it’s great playing with other players as well and mix the tournament.”

Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner Rivalry, Dominance in 2025

Even though Sinner competes in Beijing this week, the Spaniard remains mindful of their competitive history. Alcaraz has won seven of their last eight encounters and extended his lead to 10-5 after the thrilling US Open final, a match that also cost Sinner the ATP No. 1 spot.

“I know he’s going to change,” Alcaraz noted. “He is going to change something from the last match. It’s the same thing that I did when I lost to him a couple of times. I tried to be a better player. Next time I’m going to face him so I expect him to do the same thing to change a few things just to be ready and I have to be focused and I have to be ready for the changes.”

World number #1 Carlos Alcaraz defeats Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 to reach the 2nd round in his Tokyo debut.

Level was very good despite that foot injury scare.

63-7 in 2025. Won 48 of his last 51 matches. Absurd. pic.twitter.com/WeKVwNrtRZ
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 25, 2025

Alcaraz has enjoyed a dominant 2025 campaign, leading the ATP Win/Loss Index with 62 wins and seven trophies, just four victories shy of surpassing his own 2023 record of 65 wins. He is also leading the ATP Live Race to Turin and is in strong contention for a second ATP Year-End No. 1 finish presented by PIF.

👋🏻 TOKYO! pic.twitter.com/s2DwlofzWC
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 25, 2025

At the Tokyo Open, Alcaraz aims to join the 12 other ATP No. 1 Club members who have lifted the trophy in the Japanese capital. After facing Sebastian Baez in the first round on Thursday, the Spaniard could encounter Chengdu champion Alejandro Tabilo in the second round, continuing his pursuit of silverware in unfamiliar territory and maintaining his upward momentum on the Tour.

Mandatory Image Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.