Sinner forces me to practise harder – Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz claims Jannik Sinner’s success is motivating him to pursue the Grand Slam career record at the upcoming Australian Open.

Spain’s Alcaraz, 21, has already won two Wimbledon titles, the US Open and the French Open.

Alcaraz’s idol, Rafael Nadal, became the youngest man in the Open era to complete the career Slam when he won the US Open in 2010.

Alcaraz, the third-ranked player, has never advanced past Melbourne Park’s quarter-finals.

Alcaraz and Sinner, 23, split their four Grand Slam titles last year, but the Italian, who has won eight titles, is ranked as the world’s number one.

When I watch him win titles and become the top of the rankings, Alcaraz said, “The good thing for me is when I can see him win more titles and push myself to practice harder every day.”

“In practice, I’m just thinking about the things I have to improve to play against him.

While Sinner leads the ATP rankings, Alcaraz edges their head-to-head record 6-4 after winning all three of their matches last season – including a French Open semi-final.

After being drawn in the opposite direction, the pair cannot compete in the Australian Open until the final.

” When you face the best player in the world, you have to do something different, different preparation, or have a different mindset, “said Alcaraz.

” If I have a bad day against Jannik, it’s 99% that I’m going to lose. Every time I play against him, I keep that in mind.