Boris Becker Hopes Jannik Sinner Will “be luckier” When He Plays Carlos Alcaraz the Next Time

Jannik Sinner failed to claim his first Roland Garros title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz for the fifth consecutive time on tour.

Boris Becker Hopes Jannik Sinner Will “be luckier” When He Plays Carlos Alcaraz the Next Time

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Boris Becker (via X/The Tennis Letter/BBC)

Jannik Sinner succumbed to a defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Roland Garros, which is now regarded as one of the classics in major tournaments. The Italian star’s loss to Alcaraz was his second consecutive defeat against the World No.2 in just three weeks. Tennis legend Boris Becker believes Sinner will earn his revenge when they play each other in the future.

The last time Sinner defeated Alcaraz was at the China Open in 2023. In their last five meetings, Alcaraz has always found a way to topple the World No.1. Last season, they met thrice and Alcaraz won all their encounters. This year, Sinner was unbeaten on tour after winning the Australian Open and serving a three-month suspension, but at the Italian Open, he suffered his first defeat against Alcaraz in Rome.

He was hoping to defeat the 22-year-old at the Roland Garros final and was on the brink of doing so after winning the first two sets. But, he squandered three championship points to lose 6-4, 7-6(4), 4-6, 6(3)-7, 6(2)-7 in five hours and 29 minutes to Alcaraz. The defeat makes it the second time he will lose to the Spaniard at the Roland Garros, having lost to him last year in the semi-finals.

After the match, Boris Becker felt sorry for Sinner, who got very close to winning the match. The German legend revealed during his analysis on TNT Sports that the 23-year-old can be proud of his performance and how he behaved on the Court Philippe-Chatrier:

It’s brutal for Sinner. Losing a final with match points, served for the match. There’s nothing worse, but he can be proud of his performance. He behaved like a champion, fought and played his best clay court match to date. That will happen again, maybe Jannik will be the luckier one next time. It was the same with Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. What epic duels they’ve had over 15 years, and that’s exactly the level I see Carlos and Jannik at. The match was unbelievable, I feel for both players. These are the matches you train for and why you love this sport.

Carlos Alcaraz says he prefers winning in three sets after thrilling five-set final at Roland Garros

Jannik Sinner will not forget his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in a hurry, while the latter will use it to boost his confidence on tour. He proved at the Roland Garros final that he can raise his level at high-pressure moments. Also rallying from two sets down to beat the World No.1 was not an easy feat.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (via the Tennis Letter)

He was asked during his press conference whether he prefers playing three sets or five sets in a Grand Slam final. The Spaniard said that he preferred three, but five sets are a sign of a champion:

I prefer to win in three sets honestly. I’m not going to lie. But when the situations are against you, you have to fight and keep fighting. It is a Grand Slam final. It’s no time to be tired. It’s no time to give up. It’s time to keep fighting, trying to find your moment, your good place again, and just go for it. I think the real champions are made in situations when you deal with that pressure, with those situations, in the best way possible.

Alcaraz will take a little break after a hectic clay season before turning his focus to the grass-court swing. He’s the defending champion at the Wimbledon Championship and is currently the favorite to win for three consecutive times.

Also Read: PGA Tour Comparing Carlos Alcaraz to Tiger Woods After Winning French Open Doesn’t Sit Well with Golf Fans: “Don’t Try to Compare Anyone to the Goat”