Carlos Alcaraz has recently provided further insight into his relationship with Jannik Sinner, addressing earlier comments where he suggested they “can’t be friends” due to their intense rivalry. Following his Wimbledon 2025 final loss to Sinner on July 13, Alcaraz clarified his stance in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, emphasizing a nuanced dynamic. He stated, “Tennis is a special sport that allows us to be great rivals on court while respecting each other. Jannik and I are good friends—we can talk about many things off court.” This reflects a shift from his previous remarks to Sky Sports Tennis, where he noted, “We don’t speak too much… we are not close friends,” citing their competitive focus and separate team environments on tour.
The “can’t be friends” narrative stemmed from Alcaraz’s comments during Sinner’s three-month doping suspension, which ended in May 2025, where he admitted, “I haven’t spoken to him during his disqualification. Everyone looks out for themselves.” Sinner, who faced a ban for clostebol contamination, had mixed feelings about peer support, noting some unexpected messages and others’ silence. Alcaraz’s decision not to reach out during this period fueled perceptions of distance, which he later softened by expressing respect for Sinner’s post-suspension comeback, saying, “What he is doing now after being out for three months is incredible.”
Despite their rivalry—highlighted by Alcaraz’s five-set French Open win over Sinner and Sinner’s Wimbledon revenge—the two have shown mutual admiration. Alcaraz has acknowledged Sinner’s influence, stating, “He pushes me to be a better player,” while Sinner has echoed this, calling their off-court rapport “quite easy” due to shared values. Their recent interactions, including traveling together post-China Open, suggest a cordial relationship, though not a deep friendship. Alcaraz’s latest comments indicate a desire to maintain respect and occasional off-court connection, balancing their on-court battles as they prepare for future clashes, such as the US Open, where both aim to reset after recent withdrawals.
