Jannik Sinner battling same issue Carlos Alcaraz complained about | Tennis | Sport

American former tennis star Ryan Harrison believes opponents have nothing to lose when facing players of the calibre of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and feels Sinner is now dealing with a similar challenge to Alcaraz. The Spaniard crashed out of the Miami Open after a three‑set loss to Sebastian Korda on Sunday, falling 6–3, 5–7, 6–4 in what was only his second defeat of the year.

“I just sometimes get tired [of] playing Roger Federer every round. Sometimes [it] just feels they’re playing an insane level,” Alcaraz said. Prior to the defeat, he had opened the season with a 16‑match winning streak, but now has two defeats in his last three outings.

Sinner also faced a stern test, eventually overcoming American Alex Michelsen 7–5, 7–6 to reach the quarter finals. That prompted Harrison to come out and point that rivals are playing like Roger Federer against them.

“He’s [Sinner] looking great, he said that there were some things out there where he didn’t feel like he did his best,” Harrison told Sky Sports.

“But there are some other things he’s done really well. Serving well. He broke his own aces record several times throughout the Australian Open. Coming in here not feeling his 100% best, but still finding a way to get through in straight sets, yet again.”

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Harrison continued: “You’re getting guys, as [Carlos] Alcaraz said, who play like [Roger] Federer against you, because they come out and have nothing to lose. [Alex] Michelsen was throwing everything at him, and he still found a way through.”

Michelsen even held a 5-2 lead in the second set, enjoying a dominant spell against the world number two and forcing Sinner to work hard for his place in the quarter-finals. He will now face Frances Tiafoe on Thursday as he chases a fourth Miami Open semi-final appearance.

As for Alcaraz, his exit from the competition prompted fellow Spanish star Rafael Nadal to reassure him, insisting there is no cause for concern. “I mean, when he’s just come off winning the Australian Open, he’s won seven Grand Slams, he’s No1 in the world… So, what?,” Nadal said.

“Is he supposed to win all of the matches of the year? That’s never going to happen. So there’s your answer. Are we really going to worry about two defeats? I don’t think so. That doesn’t make sense, and we shouldn’t demand more from him. I think what we all have to do is just congratulate Carlos and thank him for everything that he’s accomplishing.

“In the end, he’s bringing a number of achievements to Spanish sport that, maybe 25 or 30 years ago, we wouldn’t have imagined. Maybe we’ve all gotten too used to it. But I’ve never lost perspective on how difficult the things are that Carlos is doing – or any athlete from Spain, or any other country.”