Carlos Alcaraz reveals his mindset going into last year’s Roland Garros semifinal against Jannik Sinner in his Netflix documentary

Carlos Alcaraz won an epic 5-set battle against Jannik Sinner at the Roland Garros semifinal last year.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals his mindset going into last year’s Roland Garros semifinal against Jannik Sinner in his Netflix documentary

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (image via Roland Garros)

Episode 1 of Carlos Alcaraz‘s Netflix documentary ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’ is titled ‘Finding joy in the pain’. Among many aspects, this episode touches upon the 2024 Roland Garros semifinal match between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Their rivalry marks a shift in tennis from the era of the Big 3, who had created a huge legacy in the sport. 

Sinner and Alcaraz had an epic 5-set battle in the Roland Garros semifinal. Sinner started off at a very high level, and he noticed Alcaraz struggling with his right hand. The Spaniard had, a few months earlier sustained an injury after the Indian Wells, which caused him to miss out on most of the clay season too. Alcaraz turned the tables in the second set as he sped up his forehand, clinching the set. 

If you wanna take me out, you’re gonna have to take me out on a stretcher.

Carlos Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner via ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’

However, Alcaraz soon began struggling with cramps. He faced a similar situation in the semifinals against Novak Djokovic last year as well and eventually lost. But, Sinner also began to experience cramps in his hand in the third set. Although the Italian clinched the third set, Alcaraz bounced back with some great shot-making to win the subsequent sets. 

He sealed the victory 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 and entered into the Roland Garros finals for the first time. In the finals, he defeated Alexander Zverev in another 5-set match to clinch the trophy. With this triumph at the age of 21, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the surface slam. 

Carlos Alcaraz leads the head-to-head against Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz share a very competitive rivalry. As seen in the documentary, they both believe that they motivate each other to do better. Alcaraz currently has a 6-4 head-to-head record over Sinner. 

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via X)

They both last met at the 2024 China Open finals, where Alcaraz triumphed in 3 sets. While Sinner has defeated Alcaraz on all surfaces, the two-time Wimbledon champion is yet to defeat Sinner on grass. 

Jannik Sinner will return to tour with the Rome Masters

Jannik Sinner is currently serving a three-month suspension on account of his doping case. He tested positive twice last year for the banned substance clostebol. While he was initially exonerated of charges, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for at least a one-year ban. 

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via /The Tennis Letter, Wimbledon)

A few weeks after Sinner defended his Australian Open title this year, the WADA announced a three-month suspension for Sinner. The body had accepted Sinner’s explanation that the drug had entered his system without his knowledge due to the fault of his entourage. Sinner is set to mark his return to tour with the Rome Masters, as his suspension ends on May 4. 

Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who felt pain in his right leg during the Barcelona Open final last weekend before succumbing to Holger Rune, is awaiting test results to determine whether he is fit to play in the Madrid Open. Several people have, however, advised Alcaraz to forgo this tournament and prioritize his health, as he has been overworked by playing 10 tournaments in 12 days. 

The Spaniard is due to kickstart his Madrid campaign against either Yoshihito Nishioka or Zizou Bergs. Alcaraz has already reigned champion at the Madrid Open twice. Alcaraz won his maiden title in 2022, defeating defending champion Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the final. Alcaraz defended his title the next year, cruising past lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff in the final. This year Alcaraz will be looking to become only the fourth player to win the Madrid Open three times.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz reveals Roger Federer’s beautiful words on him staying motivated for so many years in the upcoming Netflix documentary