Chris Evert on key differences between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at French Open – ‘He is mentally a little tougher’

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz share a rivalry that could come to define the sport of tennis for many years to come. TNT Sports expert Chris Evert believes that world No. 1 Sinner is mentally tougher than his Spanish counterpart. Sinner progressed to the third round of the 2025 French Open with a straight-sets victory over French tennis legend Richard Gasquet.

'Blows my mind' - Sinner 'mentally 'tougher' than Alcaraz, says legend

Video credit: TNT Sports

TNT Sports expert Chris Evert has spoken about one of the advantages she feels Jannik Sinner has over Carlos Alcaraz.

The former world No. 1 believes that the three-time Grand Slam winner is mentally tougher than his Spanish rival.

Sinner booked his place in the third round of the 2025 French Open with a 6-3 6-0 6-4 victory over French tennis legend Richard Gasquet, who now looks set to retire from the sport.

Alcaraz will face Damir Dzumhur in the evening session on Friday, and Evert believes Sinner has a tougher mentality than the 22-year-old.

"I think mentally Sinner is the tougher player," said the 18-time Grand Slam winner.

"I think he is mentally a little tougher than Carlos Alcaraz because he [Sinner] does not have as many options in his game.

"He does everything so well, he has full awareness of what his strengths and weaknesses are.

"He has length, he has power, and he is learning.

"As his coach Darren Cahill has said he is learning more about drop shots, and he is learning more about coming in.

"I think he has learnt a lot from that last match that he played."

Alcaraz and Sinner have played each other 11 times on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard winning on seven occasions.

Their latest meeting was at the Italian Open earlier this month, with Alcaraz coming out on top in straight sets.

Watch Djokovic produce sublime drop shot to win opening point of match

Video credit: TNT Sports

Former British No. 1 Tim Henman believes that Alcaraz is the favourite to win the 2025 French Open.

"I think Sinner is a close second, I think Alcaraz is the favourite," said Henman.

"I think every time he wins a match it is a big step in the right direction because he is getting more and more court time.

"But I do think Alcaraz is still the favourite."

Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+

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