Alcaraz Predicts Sinner Will Return Stronger After US Open Defeat

World number one Carlos Alcaraz believes rival Jannik Sinner will come back as a stronger opponent following his loss in the US Open final earlier this month.

Sinner, who admitted that his game had become “predictable” after falling to Alcaraz in New York, has vowed to make changes as he prepares for the China Open in Beijing, his first tournament since the defeat.

Alcaraz, competing this week at the Japan Open in Tokyo, said he expects a tougher challenge when the two meet again.

“I know he’s going to change something from the last match,” Alcaraz said. “It’s the same thing that I did when I lost to him a couple of times — I tried to be a better player the next time I was going to face him. I have to be focused and I have to be ready for that change.”

The Spaniard highlighted the significance of their growing rivalry, with the pair contesting all four Grand Slam finals this year and splitting the titles evenly.

“Our rivalry is getting better, which for me and for tennis I would say is great. We will see in the future how many times I’m going to play against him and which circumstances we will play. Right now, it’s going great,” he said.

Despite a recent setback with a loss to American Taylor Fritz at the Laver Cup in San Francisco, Alcaraz remains upbeat about his season, having already won the French Open and US Open.

“I’ve seen myself that I’ve grown up a lot as a player on the court. For me, it could be better, of course it could be better, but I can’t complain about the season I’m having so far,” he noted.

Making his debut at the Japan Open, Alcaraz said he was eager to immerse himself in the culture and atmosphere.

“I’m really excited about playing in different places, in different stadiums, and feel the energy from the Japanese people,” he added.

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