Jannik Sinner said men’s tennis will feel the absence of Carlos Alcaraz after the Spaniard withdrew from Rome and Roland Garros because of a wrist injury.
“The most important thing to say is that tennis needs Carlos. Tennis is a much better sport when he is around,” Sinner said after his opening match at the Madrid Masters 1000. “Personally, it’s nice when he is in the draw because it makes you watch the matches differently.”
Alcaraz announced Friday that he will miss the next two major clay-court events, including Roland Garros, where he was due to defend his title. The world No. 2 said medical tests showed the wrist problem required caution, leaving him without a firm return date.
Sinner, who defeated Benjamin Bonzi 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4 in his Madrid opener, said he expects Alcaraz to recover but urged him not to rush back too quickly.
“I’m sure he will come back stronger,” Sinner said. “Injuries are always complicated, particularly in the wrist, which is a very delicate area. I also believe it’s good for him and his team to take their time. If you come back too soon, it can be worse later on.”
The Italian said Wimbledon could become the next target for Alcaraz, though he made clear that recovery should come before any tournament schedule. “I suppose his next goal will be Wimbledon, and I hope he will be there,” Sinner said.
Alcaraz’s absence removes one of the biggest storylines from the clay season and reshapes the outlook for Roland Garros. The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has become one of the defining matchups in men’s tennis, and Sinner said the sport is better when both are competing.
The world No. 1 also had to work through his own difficult start in Madrid. Bonzi took the opening set in a tiebreak before Sinner found his range in the second and third sets. The ATP said Sinner extended his winning streak at Masters 1000 events to 23 matches with the victory.
Sinner said Madrid’s altitude makes the tournament unlike Rome or Paris, with the ball traveling faster and serve returns becoming more difficult.
“The ball flies a little more. It is quite fast,” Sinner said. “When someone serves very well, it is not easy to return. It is a very particular court here. It is very different from Rome and Paris.”
Sinner is chasing his first Madrid title at the Caja Mágica and will next face Danish qualifier Elmer Moller.
