Jasmine Paolini Claims She’s More Like Carlos Alcaraz Instead of Compatriot Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will play at the Japan Open and the China Open, respectively.

Jasmine Paolini Claims She’s More Like Carlos Alcaraz Instead of Compatriot Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini (via X/The Tennis Letter)

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Jasmine Paolini has lifted the Billie Jean King Cup with Italy for the second time in a row. She and compatriot Elisabetta Cocciaretto delivered clinical performances to sweep past Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, respectively, helping Italy defend their title.

At the press conference, Paolini explained why she thinks she plays more like Carlos Alcaraz and not her compatriot Jannik Sinner. She pointed out the difference between Alcaraz and Sinner’s personalities as well as their on-court demeanor.

They are two very different personalities, two distinct players who excite and entertain us a lot on the court. Their differences make this rivalry even more fascinating. They are polite, respectful, intelligent, and play at a very high level. I tend to make more noise, smile more, so in that respect, I am more like Alcaraz.

Paolini will next be playing the China Open to bid for her second singles title of the season. The two-time Grand Slam singles finalist won the Italian Open by beating Coco Gauff and later lost the Cincinnati Open final to Iga Swiatek. Last year in Beijing, Paolini lost to Poland’s Magda Linette, but she and Sara Errani won the doubles by going past the pair of Chan Hao-ching and Veronika Kudermetova.

Caroline Garcia on why Carlos Alcaraz needs Jannik Sinner to perform better

Carlos Alcaraz needs someone to push him to perform to his full potential, and the challenge that he is receiving the most is from arch-rival Jannik Sinner, believes former WTA ace Caroline Garcia. During an interview with Roland Garros, the Frenchman pointed out how Alcaraz started to play more consistently when Sinner returned to the tour after serving his three-month doping ban.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (3)
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Obviously, Jannik and Carlos are above all the other players for now. But they…Carlos definitely needs Sinner; he started to play really good this year when Jannik came back. It looks like the mentality of Jannik is a bit different, but Carlos needs competition; he needs a rival, and when he has one, he’s very good, and his focus is way better and more consistent.

The Italian Open was Sinner’s first tournament since that ban, and he lost the final to Alcaraz. In their next clashes, the Spaniard then beat him in the French Open final, lost in the Wimbledon final, was handed a walkover in the Cincinnati Masters, and clinched his second US Open title with a four-set win over the Italian.

After the US Open, Alcaraz participated in the Laver Cup for the second time in his career. He won three matches and lost only the singles to Taylor Fritz, who helped Team World win the trophy for the third time.

They will be in different cities this week as Alcaraz has decided not to defend the China Open. He will play Sebastian Baez to make his debut at the Japan Open, following which, Shanghai will be his destination. Sinner and Alcaraz have faced each other in the final whenever they were in the same draw since the Italian Open.

In Shanghai, Sinner will be the defending champion (beat Novak Djokovic last year). Alcaraz doesn’t have many points to defend at present, and if he keeps on winning, he will end the season as the No.1 player. The six-time Grand Slam champion reclaimed his No.1 ranking from the 24-year-old after his US Open win.

Sinner has so far played six finals and won the Australian Open and Wimbledon. But Alcaraz has made it to nine finals, winning seven titles. Apart from the Shanghai Masters, Sinner will also play the ATP Finals as the defending champion (beat Fritz last year).

Also read: Roger Federer Gives Important Information on Rafael Nadal Ahead of a Potential Fedal Tour