Carlos Alcaraz labels Jannik Sinner as 'best right now', admits Novak Djokovic Australian Open clash was 'worst thing'

Carlos Alcaraz is back in action after the Australian Open this week as he leads the field as the top seed at the Rotterdam Open. Ahead of his first match against Botic van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz spoke about why he thinks Jannik Sinner is the "best right now" and why defeat to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open quarter-finals was not a "missed opportunity".

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Carlos Alcaraz believes Jannik Sinner is the "best right now" after his "crazy" form continued with victory at the Australian Open.

World No. 1 Sinner swept to a second straight win in Melbourne, beating Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the final.

Sinner has lost just six matches since the start of 2024 and only three on hard courts. He has also won his last 21 matches in a row.

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"Jannik is the best right now," said world No. 3 Alcaraz ahead of making his return to action in Rotterdam.

"He has lost only four or five matches in the past year, so it is crazy. I know people say who is better out of us. They say Jannik is better or some say me. It is all discussion.

"But for me, I think for a tennis player, we have to face Jannik and he is winning everything he is playing. He is focused every time, so I think he is the best. Every tournament he plays, he makes the final or lifts the trophy."

Alcaraz’s hopes of a first Australian Open title were ended in the quarter-finals by Novak Djokovic.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion produced an "unbelievable performance" as he overcame injury to defeat Alcaraz in four sets.

"I don’t feel that it was a missed opportunity against Novak," said Alcaraz about the match.

"I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match.

"Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing. It was a pretty good match.

"I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now."

Alcaraz is the top seed at the ATP 500 Rotterdam Open this week.

He will open against wild card Botic can de Zandschulp, who memorably stunned Alcaraz in the second round of the US Open last year.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Alcaraz was wearing nasal strips during a practice session in Rotterdam and revealed he has been under the weather since returning from Australia.

"I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold. I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better.

"But spending time at home, it doesn’t matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again."

On Van de Zandschulp, he added: "He's a really tough player.

"I've played against him a few times already. The last time I lost against him. I am now going to play him in his home. I will enjoy playing my first match here in Rotterdam and I will see how it goes.

"The crowd will probably be against me but I will enjoy it and do my best. I am here for the challenge and to get through."

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