“Carlos Alcaraz Spoke Angrily About Jennik Sinner!” And He  Faulted Him About Suspension And Said He Is Just The…

Alcaraz Insists Sinner’s Suspension Doesn’t Change His Mindset Ahead Of Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz‘s answer to a question about Jannik Sinner‘s absence from the 2025 Indian Wells Open was not rude, but it indicated he does not want to talk much about his rival’s situation.

Sinner is banned until May 4th after settling his case with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Ironically, the Italian’s nightmare began at the 2024 Indian Wells Open, where he tested positive for the prohibited substance.

WADA appealed the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s decision to clear him despite accepting he was accidentally contaminated. However, the governing body chose to settle rather than have an appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Sinner being given the option to settle caused controversy, but it will not change the decision. Sinner is set to miss tournaments like the Indian Wells Open, Miami Open, and Madrid Open, but will be back in time for the Italian Open.

On paper, two-time defending champion Alcaraz’s route to a third consecutive title is easier without Sinner. The ATP world No. 1 has won the last three hardcourt Grand Slams and established himself as the best player on that surface.

However, speaking in a press conference, Alcaraz said Sinner’s absence has not changed his mindset and that he respects how many other top players are in the draw to compete for the title.

“Well, it didn’t change at all. I mean, this tournament obviously, I mean, Jannik’s not playing, but there are a lot of the best players in the world playing here as well. I think the draw is really open, and a lot of players playing great tennis. For me, coming here to approach the tournament, it doesn’t change at all. I’m just focused on my things, myself, and I try to play good tennis here.”

Alcaraz’s words help to explain why he is a four-time Grand Slam champion at 21 years old. The best players do not enter tournaments with any complacency, even if some high-profile names are missing from the draw.

The Spaniard probably finds Sinner less intimidating than anyone. Alcaraz was the only man to consistently defeat him during his breakthrough season last year, triumphing in all of their professional matches.

Despite the superb level Alcaraz and Sinner perform at, the two-time Wimbledon winner thinks it will be almost impossible to replicate the rivalry that Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer had against each other.

Alcaraz’s statement is understandable, but he and the 23-year-old Sinner have many years ahead of them. Predicting how epic their rivalry will become is impossible at this early stage.

With Sinner missing, Alcaraz’s biggest obstacle to the title might be getting used to the new surface at this year’s Indian Wells Open. After 25 years, the tournament switched to Laykold for the 2025 iteration.

Some players have said that the new surface is different from the slow and high-bouncing conditions of previous years, with the bounce being notably different. While Alcaraz plays well in any conditions, he said he could not understand the reason for changing the surface.