Jannik Sinner Speaks on Having Conversation With Carlos Alcaraz After Roland Garros Withdrawal: “His Absence is Felt”

Jannik Sinner is eyeing a fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.

Jannik Sinner Speaks on Having Conversation With Carlos Alcaraz After Roland Garros Withdrawal: “His Absence is Felt”

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, The Independent)

In Short
  • Jannik Sinner advanced to the round of 16 at the Madrid Open, defeating Elmer Moller 6-2, 6-3.
  • Carlos Alcaraz announced he is withdrawing from the clay season due to a wrist injury, impacting the upcoming Roland Garros.
  • Sinner is on a historic path to potentially win five consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments, extending his winning streak to 19 matches.

Jannik Sinner is making the rest of the ATP Tour look like they are playing with wooden rackets. The Italian smoothly dismantled Danish qualifier Elmer Moller 6-2, 6-3 to cruise into the round of 16 at the Madrid Open.

While Sinner is handling his business on the court, the tennis world is still digesting the shockwave sent by Carlos Alcaraz’s camp. The reigning two-time French Open champion announced he is shutting down his clay season after tests on his right wrist revealed he wouldn’t be ready for Rome or Roland Garros. Alcaraz sustained the injury during the first round of the Barcelona Open and has been in a race against the clock ever since.

For Sinner, who recently snatched the world number one ranking from the Spaniard after beating him in the Monte Carlo Masters final, the absence of his primary rival is a bittersweet development. The Italian was asked if he had a conversation with his rival on the matter. Sinner said in his press conference:

I think that’s quite personal so I won’t answer. His absence is felt not just here, maybe especially here in Spain, but it’ll probably be felt even more in Roland Garros.

With Alcaraz sidelined and Sinner playing the most ruthlessly efficient tennis of his young career, the French Open trophy is his for the taking. All he has to do is stay healthy and focused.

If Sinner wins Madrid, it is very likely that he won’t play the Italian Open. Although it will be a tough decision, given that the tournament is in his home country, the two-week format would probably not work in his favor heading into Roland Garros.

Masterclass in Madrid from Jannik Sinner

The victory is more than just a routine weekend win on the dirt. Jannik Sinner is now on a historic collision course, looking to become the first man in tennis history to capture five consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments.

Sinner’s 77-minute clinic against the 169th-ranked Moller extended his overall winning streak to 19 matches. Even more impressive, Sinner has now rattled off 24 consecutive victories at the Masters 1000 level, a streak that began all the way back at the Paris Masters last October.

If dodging injuries wasn’t enough, players at the Caja Magica are currently trying to dodge a bizarre stomach virus sweeping through the locker rooms. The Madrid Open has suddenly turned into an episode of Survivor.

Iga Swiatek was forced to retire from her match over the weekend, while Liudmila Samsonova and Marin Cilic both withdrew, citing illness. American star Coco Gauff literally threw up in a courtside bin during her grueling three-set victory over Sorana Cirstea. Through it all, Sinner has managed to stay immune to both the virus and the pressure of his historic run.

Also Read: Coco Gauff Speaks on the New Service Technique She’s Implementing in Madrid