INDIAN WELLS – Jannik Sinner’s 19-match winning streak ended on March 16 with a three-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Indian Wells, where the “grateful” Italian was already analysing how to be better.
Spain’s Alcaraz, the defending champion in the prestigious ATP-WTA Masters event, rallied after dropping the first set for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over the Australian Open champion.
Not only did he book a return trip to the final where he faces Daniil Medvedev in a repeat of last season’s title-decider, he denied Sinner’s bid to grab the world No. 2 ranking for the first time.
Sinner, whose 16-0 start to the year included his maiden Grand Slam title and a victory at Rotterdam, said he was not too concerned about the end of a winning streak that began in 2023.
“I don’t think so much about that,” the 22-year-old said. “I’ve been positive throughout this winning streak, positive even now, because, I lost in the semis of Indian Wells, which is still a great result.
“Now, the next tournament is Miami. So I’m focused already for Miami. For sure it’s tough that it has to end like this here, because for me this is a really special place to play in, but I feel grateful for what I’m doing.”
The Italian came out strong after a three-hour rain delay that halted the match after just three games. He won four straight games to take the first set, but Alcaraz made the adjustments he needed to take control in the second.
Sinner said: “You are always impressed when you play against him. He’s moving really fast, as we know. Especially on this court where the ball bounces really high, it’s not easy to play against him, because he can play with a lot of spin.
“But what I have missed today (is) that I was too predictable at some points. I was doing the same things over and over again, which in my mind let me down... I think that’s the lesson for today.”
Despite the outcome, Sinner said he relished the chance to take on Alcaraz on such a big stage.
“Packed stadium. Two young players trying their best. This is fun,” he said, adding that he looks forward to battling the 20-year-old for years to come.
The duo are now 4-4 in their head-to-head record.
“This makes things really fun, no?
“Maybe there is one day where one of us wins three, four times in a row. Then the opponent or the other one has to try to adjust a little bit, trying completely new things.
“There will be occasions in the future where you win some and you lose some. I think that’s good to see for me and then trying to grow in the future. Most important part is that you give 100 per cent, which I’ve done today.”
The men’s game has been searching for new rivalries since the retirement of Roger Federer in 2022 and the expected exit of Rafael Nadal this season, which will leave just the 36-year-old Novak Djokovic from the “Big Three” era.
Those concerns have been ameliorated by the ascent of world No. 3 Sinner and two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who also paid tribute to his opponent.
“Matches with Jannik are always special,” he said. “I always demand the highest level from myself against him and it’s the same for him.
“We know we have to play at our highest level to win. We have put magic on the court, unbelievable points and for the crowd, it is also wonderful.”
The final on March 17 started after press time.
Russian Medvedev also had to fight back from one set down against American Tommy Paul in his semi-final to win 1-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. AFP, REUTERS
