Jannik Sinner Aims To “Try Something Different” Against Carlos Alcaraz at the Roland Garros Final

Carlos Alcaraz leads Jannik Sinner 7-4 in their head-to-head record and has won all of their last four encounters on tour.

Jannik Sinner Aims To “Try Something Different” Against Carlos Alcaraz at the Roland Garros Final

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Janniksin_Updates)

Jannik Sinner booked his place in the final of Roland Garros after beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The Italian will now face his arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz as he hopes to win his fourth Grand Slam. However, ahead of the clash, the World No.1 has revealed that he will have to try something different against Alcaraz on Sunday (June 8).

Sinner vs. Alcaraz has rapidly evolved into one of the most absorbing rivalries in recent memory. Both players continued from where the Big 3 (Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal) left off in the men’s circuit. With powerful ball-striking and incredible agility, Sinner and Alcaraz will clash in a Grand Slam final for the first time in their careers.

Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 7-4 and has won their last four meetings, including their most recent at the Italian Open, where he claimed a straight-set victory to win the title. Nonetheless, they have only met once at the Roland Garros and that was last year, when the 22-year-old Spaniard claimed the victory in five sets.

Ahead of their twelfth meeting at the Roland Garros, the biggest question is whether Sinner will finally find a way to break Alcaraz. The World No.2 is currently in an intimidating form on clay this season, winning 21 of his last 22 matches. Also, despite Sinner’s strong serves, Alcaraz’s athleticism and ability to adapt to his tactics are a big concern to the Italian star.

During his press conference, he was asked how he would try to navigate the challenge Alcaraz poses on the court. The World No.1 revealed that he will have to be at his best and also try something different against the four-time Grand Slam champion:

I have to play my best tennis if I want to play even… not even if I want to win. So let’s see what’s coming. I’m very happy to be in the final. To have another chance. Trying to do something different. Trying to understand what’s working well against him and what’s not. And then we’ll see. Grand slam finals are a bit different. They can be very long or also short. It depends whoever plays very very well. Anything can happen. I’m happy. I wouldn’t have thought to find myself here in this position. Let’s see what’s coming.

Alcaraz and Sinner know each other’s style of play, which will make their clash at the Roland Garros very interesting. Both players are also in top form. However, Alcaraz winning the French Open title will make him the first player since Rafael Nadal to win back-to-back Roland Garros titles.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals what he likes about facing Jannik Sinner on tour

Carlos Alcaraz earned his spot in the Roland Garros final after Lorenzo Musetti retired in the fourth round. The Spaniard claimed the second 7-6(3) after losing the first 4-6 against the Italian. In the third set, he cruised past Musetti, who looked severely drained by what turned out to be a thigh injury, hampering his movement.

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

He was forced to retire with Alcaraz leading 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-0, 2-0. Ahead of his match against Jannik Sinner, he revealed that he loves playing against the World No.1 because it gives him feedback about the level of his game:

I mean, he’s destroying every opponent. I love that battle. But most of the time is just about suffering, because [he pushes] you to the limit. It gives you feedback of how I can be a better player. I think that’s important, and that’s beautiful. Even if I win or not, it gives you a lot of stats and gives you feedback.

Alcaraz will hope to defeat Sinner for the fifth consecutive time. Also, if the Spaniard beats the Italian, it will be the second Grand Slam he will defend after successfully winning the Wimbledon Championship last year.

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