Is Jannik Sinner predictable? Carlos Alcaraz answers the big question

Alcaraz says he doesn’t think Sinner is predictable but also fires a warning shot that ‘The best Carlos hasn’t emerged yet’.

Jannik Sinner, of Italy, left, and Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, right, hold their trophies after Alcaraz defeated Sinner to win the men's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Minutes after his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final, Jannik Sinner talked about how he has to change his game a bit to become “more unpredictable”. A day later, Alcaraz weighs in on that statement, and also adds that “the best Carlos hasn’t emerged yet”.

“I wouldn’t say that (Sinner is predictable). Like him, I watch and study a lot of his games. I love the way he plays, and what he does is incredible. I don’t think he’s predictable, but we just know each other better and better, because we’ve already faced each other a few times [15 in total, with a 10-5 win]. I know his abilities and I try to adapt to be able to face him,” Alcaraz was quoted as saying by El Pais.

Sinner had earlier said that he has to change. “I’m going to aim to maybe even lose some matches from now on, but trying to do some changes trying to be a bit more unpredictable,” Sinner said. “Because I think that’s what I have to do, trying to become a better player.”

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A reporter then asked him that Sinner thinks it’s his turn to make a move now and change things in his game, and how Carlos will respond to it.

“I don’t feel like the ball is in his court right now, because I also have to be alert to see what he’s going to do differently. I mean, I have to stay ahead of the curve, prepare more, and even continue improving in many aspects. That’s the beauty of this rivalry, of our matches; we push each other to the limit so much that it forces us to be a little better every day, in every tournament. The best Carlos hasn’t emerged yet.”

He also spoke about his game since childhood has been filled with those outrageous shots like drops and spins.

“I’ve been the same since I was little. I think I can do a lot of things on the court, a lot of shots; from hitting drop shots to hitting spin shots. Plus, I’m increasingly happy with my physique, because it gives you a lot of confidence,” Alcaraz said.

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Regaining No. 1 spot

One of his goals this year was to regain the No.1 ranking spot which he has now achieved. “Yes, that’s right. One of the goals this season was to try to recover as soon as possible, or before the end of the year. So it’s a dream. On top of that, if it happens on the same day you win a Grand Slam [as it did the first time he took office, on September 11, 2022], it tastes even better.”

Alcaraz spoke about the improvements he has made off the field that has helped his success on court. “We’re maturing and growing, learning to handle many situations, but I maintain the same enthusiasm as before. I’m trying to manage all of this in the best way possible, because it’s not easy, but when things go well off the track, it’s not unusual for them to go well on it. One thing goes hand in hand with the other. That’s what we’ve improved the most. Off the court, I have improved a lot, and realized how important it is to take care of every detail to be perfect. I think that’s been my biggest improvement,” said Alcaraz.