Jannik Sinner says things can 'change so fast' amid duopoly with Carlos Alcaraz - 'Not only me and Carlos'

Jannik Sinner knows that his rivalry with Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is one of the defining narratives of this era, but he also believes that things can change rapidly, citing his own stunning emergence as proof. Sitting down with Eurosport ahead of the Paris Masters, the world No. 1 spoke about that rivalry, the pressures of being the world's top ranked player and winning the Six Kings Slam.

'Not only me and Carlos' - Sinner says things can 'change so fast' on ATP Tour

Video credit: TNT Sports

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has warned that things can "change so fast" amid his growing duopoly at the head of men's tennis with Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner is enjoying the finest season of his career so far, with two Grand Slam titles in the two hard-court slams, as well as five additional title wins in Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati and Shanghai.

However, his one final defeat in 2024 came against long-time rival Alcaraz.

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Sitting down with Eurosport to talk about the upcoming Paris Masters and his ongoing battle with the Spaniard, Sinner was effusive about the quality of the field, insisting that there is much more than just him and Alcaraz.

Sinner said: "I always say, there is not only me and Carlos, you know, it's very difficult to say that me and Carlos and that's it."

With an eye on the future, and his own past, Sinner made the point that new stars can emerge rapidly and change what appears to be an established hierarchy.

"I've showed from my side one season and everything can happen and change so fast. There are many, many great players and new upcoming players. You never know what's coming so you always have to work.

"Of course, Carlos is until now one of my rivals, but there are so many other players and you have to be prepared and mentally ready and physically ready to play.

"Things can change very, very quickly and that's why I always try to keep working and sticking to my routines to get better as a player but also as a person.

"I believe that everything starts with the practice sessions, with the daily routine, you know you wake up and trying to sleep good and all these kinds of things make you feel good on court."

Sinner and Alcaraz are among the top eight seeded players handed byes until the round of 32, which begins on Tuesday.

Shifting focus to the tournament in Paris, Sinner admitted that he has not produced his best in previous attempts there.

"It's a tournament where I used to struggle a lot. I'm here, I'm motivated and hopefully I can show some good tennis."

In three previous appearances, Sinner has won just one match. In 2021 he was eliminated by Alcaraz, in 2022 he fell to Marc-Andrea Huesler, and last year he withdrew after a maiden victory against Mackenzie McDonald.

Sinner's ascension to the world No. 1 spot in June was a piece of history; he became the first Italian player to reach number one in the ATP or WTA rankings.

Asked whether that ranking brings added pressure, Sinner tried to remain focused on his own game.

"Honestly I don't think so much about this. This is something I've worked my whole life, you know, to be world No. 1. Now I am there and I just try to enjoy."

Continuing, Sinner insisted that any pressure he does feel is internal rather than external.

"Every match you have a lot of pressure, you have a lot of expectations, but this pressure and expectations starts from my side because I want to win and prove to myself that I am capable to win these kinds of matches.

"Of course it's never easy, you know, to be in that position, but I always say it's a huge privilege to be in this position and I try to enjoy some good tennis. The rest I cannot control."

Last week, Sinner claimed a massive $6 million (c. £4.6m) prize with victory over none other than Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament.

Asked about the impact of such a lucrative victory, Sinner remained focused on the business at hand.

"I don't play for money. It's very simple. Of course it's a nice prize, but I went there because there was possibly the six best players in the world and you can measure yourself with them. It was also a nice event."

He added: "I played the matches in the right way and this can hopefully improve me as a player also for the future."

In Paris, Sinner has been drawn in the same section as Alex de Minaur, Holger Rune and Britain's Jack Draper, while a potential semi-final meeting with Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev or Stefanos Tsitsipas awaits.