Carlos Alcaraz Admits Bitter Feeling of Playing Against Jannik Sinner After Six Kings Slam Defeat
### Carlos Alcaraz’s “Bitter Feeling” After Jannik Sinner Defeat at Six Kings Slam
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish world No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, has openly shared the “bitter feeling” of facing rival Jannik Sinner after a stinging 6-2, 6-4 loss in the 2025 Six Kings Slam final in Riyadh on October 18. The exhibition match, part of a star-studded $15 million event featuring Alcaraz, Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Holger Rune, saw Sinner dominate with a revamped serve and unrelenting baseline game, denying Alcaraz a single break point in a 73-minute rout. In a post-match Netflix interview, Alcaraz admitted, “It’s bitter because Jannik’s at another level—his serve is like a wall, and not getting a break point feels weird.” The defeat, costing Alcaraz a $4.5 million winner’s bonus (both earned $1.5 million for participation), marks Sinner’s third win in their last four clashes, intensifying a rivalry where Alcaraz still leads 10-6 but feels the psychological sting.
#### The Final: Sinner’s Commanding Victory
The Six Kings Slam, a one-day round-robin exhibition on October 18 in Riyadh, pitted the top six players in a high-stakes showcase. Alcaraz reached the final after defeating Rune 6-4, 6-2 in the semis, while Sinner dispatched Djokovic 7-5, 6-3. In the final, Sinner broke Alcaraz in the opening game, holding to love for 2-0. The Italian’s 80% first-serve points won and 10 aces left Alcaraz scrambling, with the Spaniard broken again at 4-1 to drop the first set 6-2 in 27 minutes. Alcaraz held firm early in the second, leading 2-1, but Sinner’s depth and a crucial break at 3-2 sealed the 6-4 win. “Jannik was untouchable—his serve put me under pressure every time,” Alcaraz said, noting the “weird” absence of break points as a bitter pill.
Sinner, who pocketed $4.5 million on top of the $1.5 million appearance fee, credited his US Open final loss to Alcaraz (6-2, 4-6, 7-6(7-4), 6-3) for sharpening his game: “Carlos pushes me to evolve—losing last month taught me to be sharper.” The Italian’s 2025, with 62 wins, two Slams (Australian Open, Wimbledon), and now the Six Kings crown, narrows the gap with Alcaraz for year-end No. 1 (2,540 points behind).
#### Alcaraz’s “Bitter Feeling”: A Rivalry’s Emotional Toll
Alcaraz’s candid admission reflects the growing intensity of his rivalry with Sinner, who has flipped their dynamic with wins in Beijing (September 2025), the US Open semifinal (2024), and now Riyadh. “It’s bitter because he’s improved so much—his serve’s a weapon, and it feels weird when you can’t touch it,” Alcaraz told Netflix, his frustration evident after a season where he’s dominated with 67 wins (88% win rate), eight titles (Wimbledon, US Open, Japan Open), and a locked No. 1 ranking. The Spaniard, who leads 10-6 overall (3-2 in finals), called Sinner “the most complete player” after their five-set French Open final (6-4, 6-7(6-8), 6-7(3-7), 6-2, 6-3). “Jannik’s a friend, but on court, he’s a killer—it drives me to be better, but it stings,” he added.
The loss, while non-ranking, dents Alcaraz’s momentum post-US Open and Japan Open (def. Fritz 6-4, 6-4). His £160 million Nike deal and new “CA” logo, set to debut at the ATP Finals in Turin (November 10-17), signal his evolution, but Sinner’s serve—86% points won in Riyadh—has become a mental hurdle. “It’s bitter, but it’s fuel,” Alcaraz said, eyeing Vienna (October 20-26).
#### Reactions: Fans and Pros on the Rivalry
The Netflix stream, viewed by 2.5 million, sparked a frenzy under #AlcarazSinner: “Carlos’ ‘bitter’ honesty is why this rivalry’s epic—Sinner’s serve is a cheat code!” (200k likes). Djokovic tweeted: “Jannik’s on fire, but Carlos bounces back—Turin will be a war.” Fritz, eliminated by Sinner in the quarters, added: “That serve? Unfair. Carlos will get him next time.” Fans split: “Alcaraz’s too honest—Sinner owns him now” vs. “Bitter? Nah, Carlos is just hungry.”
| Match | Result | Key Stats | Head-to-Head Update |
|——-|——–|———–|———————|
| Six Kings Slam Final (2025) | Sinner def. Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 | 0 break points for Alcaraz; Sinner 10 aces, 80% first-serve points | Alcaraz leads 10-6 |
| US Open Final (2025) | Alcaraz def. Sinner 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(7-4), 6-3 | Alcaraz 45 winners, 3 breaks | Alcaraz led 10-5 prior |
| French Open Final (2025) | Alcaraz def. Sinner 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 | Alcaraz 5 sets, 1h40m final set | Alcaraz led 9-4 prior |
#### Alcaraz’s 2025: Triumphs and Rival Pressure
Alcaraz’s year—67-7 record, eight titles, £16 million in prizes—has cemented his No. 1 status, but Sinner’s three wins in four meetings (Beijing, US Open semi, Riyadh) add pressure. The Spaniard’s buzz cut and “CA” logo debut signal a new chapter, but the “bitter feeling” reveals vulnerability. “Vienna and Turin are my focus—Jannik won’t stop me,” he vowed. With the ATP Finals looming, Alcaraz’s not broken—just burning. Sinner’s the spark; the rivalry’s the fire.
