According to Jannik Sinner’s coach, Simone Vagnozzi, the Italian player still needs to put in some effort to catch up to opponent Carlos Alcaraz, even if he had the best season of his career and finished 2023 on a high note.
Sinner defeated Alcaraz on his way to the Beijing title, and he also took home his first Masters victory in Toronto last summer. The 22-year-old was also in incredible form during the ATP Finals, although he lost to Novak Djokovic in the championship match. Sinner did, however, exact revenge on the Serbian, beating him in the Davis Cup singles and doubles matches before driving Italy to a historic final victory.
Sinner has shown potential at multiple Masters tournaments and even Grand Slams, but the Italian has never made it to a major final—something Alcaraz has done on more than one occasion. Coach Vagnozzi feels that his ward can still improve, which is the small distinction that sets Sinner apart from Alcaraz.
Vagnozzi stated his remarks in a recent interview and said: “Carlos is two years younger, but he’s already at a good point on many things. Jannik still has a lot of work to do. So, let’s not take Alcaraz as a point of reference; he has to go on the road. He often reaches the end of tournaments, and, sooner or later, the opportunity arises.”
Vagnozzi is optimistic about the 2024 campaign and believes Sinner will catch up to Alcaraz.
He added: “Sinner does not start beaten against anyone, but I believe he has a different path from Carlos, who, despite being two years younger, is already ahead technically and physically. There is still a lot to do, and that is the positive aspect. He has important margins, and despite this, he is close to the top-five ranking; he has won eight tournaments, including [an ATP] 1000. This is the aspect that gives us the most comfort.”
Alcaraz 'Not A Reference Point' For Sinner Says Italian Coach Vagnozzi https://t.co/2IJp76LQJE
— tennis-infinity.com (@TennisInfinity1) January 2, 2024
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Currently ranked no.4 (career-high), the Italian played his last match on the 26th of November 2023 when he defeated world no.12 Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-0 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Presently, during this year Jannik owns a compiled 64-15 match record.
Sinner is scheduled to play next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 14th of January.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
WLWLLWLWWW Now the world no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 18th of November 2023 when he capitulated to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Until now, during this year Alcaraz has managed to achieve a compiled 65-12 win-loss record.
Alcaraz will compete next at the Australian Open (Australian Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 14th of January.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz squared off 8 times. Their actual record is 4-4. The last time they fought against each other, Jannik Sinner won 7-6(4) 6-1 in the semifinal in Beijing (China Open) in October 2023.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz |
| Embed from Getty Images |
