The men’s game thrives on big rivalries but with the world No 2 missing through injury, the prospects of another top-10 player stepping up appear bleak
J
annik Sinner is not a man for great displays of emotion, but not even the world No 1 could maintain his poker face this time. In the aftermath of an arduous opening win in Madrid on Friday, Sinner learned of the most significant news of the year – Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the French Open due to a right wrist injury – during his on-court interview.
Sinner’s face immediately fell and he was clearly still processing the information after delivering his answer. Later, in his press conference, the Italian lamented Alcaraz’s absence with sincerity: “Tennis needs Carlos,” he said. “Tennis is a much better sport when he’s around.”
This is primarily tough for Alcaraz himself, who started this season at the Australian Open by winning his seventh grand slam title and completing the career slam at 22 years old. Last year, Alcaraz’s presence at Roland Garros led to one of tennis’s greatest comebacks as he recovered from a triple championship-point deficit against Sinner to defend his title.
