Carlos Alcaraz apologises to Jannik Sinner after Australian Open win – ‘It’s not personal’ | Tennis | Sport
Carlos Alcaraz apologised to Jannik Sinner after criticising the world No.1 following his opening-round win at the Australian Open.
Alcaraz looked at his very best in the straight sets victory against Alexander Shevchenko, taking the game 6-1, 7-5, 6-1
It sees him through into the second round where he’ll take on Yoshihito Nishioka later this week.
But it was in Alcaraz’s post-match debrief where he apologised to fellow Australian Open rival Sinner for a comment made about the Italian’s golf skills.
When asked by John Millman to rank his golf swing against that of Sinner and Roger Federer, Alcaraz replied: “I have to ask if the ranking is going to be effective swing or beautiful swing.
“Alright, I’m sorry it’s going to be probably selfish but I’m going to put myself the first one. Second one Rafa and third probably Jannik. Sorry about it. It’s not personal.”
It comes after a video of Sinner playing golf went viral recently, with Alcaraz clearly not too impressed by his competitor’s swing.
A cheeky comment from the Spanish ace, who will be hoping he’ll be able to back up his skills with the racket at this year’s Open.
If his first-round win is anything to go by, it’s likely very few players will be able to keep pace with Alcaraz, who is targeting his first Australian Open title to complete his Grand Slam collection.
When quizzed on his showing against Shevchenko, Alcaraz said: “There’s no secret. It’s hard work. I try to be the best of me every day. Every day I wake up I try to be a better person and player. I’m gonna say this.”
Even though Sinner also won his opening in straight sets, things were a little more complicated for him against Nicolas Jarry, given he needed two tiebreakers in the first two sets.
Sinner became just the fourth player this millennium to win 15 consecutive hard-court matches in Grand Slams, joining Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Commenting on the achievement, he said: “I cannot compare myself with these players… they’ve done so many things.
“It’s amazing to be next to these names. I cannot compare myself with these players, no? They have done so, so many things. I’m just trying to make my own little story.”
On his love of hard courts, he added: “I like hard courts. I like these conditions. Especially when it’s not that hot like today, it’s very nice to play. Yeah, so happy how I’m trying to keep going as much as I can.”
