Carlos Alcaraz discussed his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the China Open semifinals, admitting that frustration and complaints affected his performance.
In a candid post-match press conference, Alcaraz analyzed his loss to Sinner, who secured a 7-6, 6-1 victory. The young Spaniard pointed out that he struggled to maintain his focus, especially in the second set, due to excessive complaining.
“I couldn’t do what I always did, I tried to play deeper but I couldn’t,” said Alcaraz
“Then in the second set I was mentally out. I was complaining too much, something that really makes it difficult for you to play at your best level, that’s what it means to be angry with yourself. This is what happened.”
Alcaraz attempted to adapt his game but acknowledged that his efforts didn’t yield the desired results. He emphasized the need to learn from such experiences to improve his gameplay, particularly when facing formidable opponents like Sinner.
“Against players like Jannik, if you don’t take advantage of those opportunities, it’s harder to win or stay ahead on the scoreboard. That’s something I have to learn about.”
Reflecting on his missed opportunities in the first set, Alcaraz recognized the importance of capitalizing on chances against top-tier players like Sinner. He praised Sinner’s all-around skills and his ability to push opponents to their limits.
He is a very complete player, he did almost everything well, he pushes you to the limit with every shot,” said Alcaraz.
Sinner’s impressive performance earned him a place in the China Open final, where he faced Daniil Medvedev in a highly anticipated match.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
LWLLWWWWWW Now ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 3rd of October when he lost to world no.7 Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-1 in the semifinal in Beijing (draw).
This season Alcaraz owns a 61-8 record. The Spaniard clinched 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Carlos reached the final in Rio de Janeiro and Cincinnati.
Jannik Sinner in 2023
WWWWWWWLWW Currently ranked no.7, Sinner played his last match on the 4th of October when he overcame world no.3 Daniil Medvedev 7-6(2) 7-6(2) in the final in Beijing to win his 10th career title.
Currently, during this season Jannik has achieved a composed 49-13 record. Jannik has won 3 titles in 2023 in Montpellier, Toronto and Beijing. The Italian was the finalist in Rotterdam and Miami.
Sinner will play next in Antwerp (European Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 16th of October.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner squared off 8 times. Their actual head to head record is 4-4. Before, the last time they squared off, Jannik Sinner won 7-6(4) 6-1 in the semifinal in Beijing (China Open) on the 3rd of October 2023.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner |
| Embed from Getty Images |
