Jannik Sinner up for Carlos Alcaraz’s challenge for World No. 1 spot as he reveals his goals by the end of the season

Jannik Sinner is aware of Carlos Alcaraz's desire to replace him as the World No. 1 but remains focused on himself ahead of the US Open.

Jannik Sinner up for Carlos Alcaraz’s challenge for World No. 1 spot as he reveals his goals by the end of the season

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (via Imago)

Jannik Sinner is in his ninth week as the World No. 1, having gone to the top of the rankings for the first time in the second week of June. He is just the third player outside the big three and Andy Murray to hold that position in the last two decades.

Carlos Alcaraz achieved the feat before him but has now dropped by two spots despite winning two Grand Slams this year. The Spaniard recently revealed that his goal for the year was to get back to the top. Currently, very little separates him, Sinner, and Novak Djokovic in the rankings.

Ahead of his Cincinnati captain, Sinner made it clear that he intends to maintain the World No. 1 spot for as long as he can, even after a hip injury put the brakes on his sensational season leading up to the French Open, where he lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals. 

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I think I’m in a good period for my mental health, and now it’s time to enjoy it. You have to work hard to get to this position. And of course then you want to stay there to see how good you are in this position. I think I’m doing a good job, even if the last two tournaments have been what they have been. My goal is to win as many matches as possible, and to get back to that winning feeling. I’m having a great year, even if I’m never satisfied, that’s for sure!

Jannik Sinner told press in Cincinnati

Sinner and Alcaraz will be playing at the same event for the first time since the French Open. With Djokovic choosing not to defend his title there, Alcaraz will look to give Sinner a fight for the title.

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Jannik Sinner all but assured of being the top seed at the final Slam of the year

As the rankings currently stand, Jannik Sinner is 1320 points ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, who is just below Djokovic, with 8770 points. With a first-round win in Cincinnati, Alcaraz will move up to take the second spot. However, even if he wins the tournament, he will be unable to overtake his Italian rival. 

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Via Imago)

Sinner sat out of last year’s Cincinnati Open, which takes the pressure away from him as he has no points to defend. Any points he earns this week will add to his already significant lead over Alcaraz and Djokovic. 

If he bows out in the first round and Alcaraz wins the tournament, he will still keep his top spot. With the US Open scheduled to begin on August 26, this ensures that he will be the top seed at the last Grand Slam of the session.

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