“Carlos Alcaraz owns Jannik Sinner”; “Dumb question” – Fans stunned by Spaniard being asked if Italian’s Japan Open absence was a ‘relief’ for him
Carlos Alcaraz’s Classy Response to ‘Dumb’ Question: No ‘Relief’ Over Jannik Sinner’s Japan Open Absence Amid Epic Rivalry
As world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz gears up for his Japan Open debut on September 25, 2025—fresh off a gritty first-round win over Sebastian Baez despite an ankle scare—the Spaniard faced a cheeky query in his pre-tournament presser that left fans rolling their eyes: Was Sinner’s absence from Tokyo a “relief” for him? With Jannik Sinner opting for the China Open instead (his Beijing debut as top seed), the question touched a nerve in their blockbuster rivalry—where Alcaraz now leads 10-5 lifetime and 7-1 in 2025 finals. Alcaraz’s deadpan dismissal? “It’s not really [a relief], to be honest.” Cue the X frenzy: Posts branding it a “dumb question” exploded, with one viral thread declaring, “Carlos Alcaraz owns Jannik Sinner”—a nod to his psychological edge over the Italian.
#### The Moment: A Presser That Highlighted Mutual Respect
During the September 24 press conference at Ariake Coliseum, Alcaraz was in high spirits, calling 2025 “the best season that I’ve ever done so far” after reclaiming No. 1 with his US Open triumph (avenging a Wimbledon loss to Sinner in a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 epic). But when the “relief” line dropped—implying Alcaraz might dodge a potential quarterfinal clash—his response cut through the awkwardness:
> “It’s not really, to be honest. I enjoy playing against Jannik. We push each other to be better.”
He doubled down on studying their rivalry, admitting he’d spent two weeks post-Cincinnati tweaking his game specifically to counter Sinner’s evolution: “I know he’s going to change… We’re both preparing for the next one.” Sinner, reflecting in Beijing, echoed the sentiment: “We’ve been reflecting a lot… changing small things to beat him.” It’s this chess-match dynamic—Alcaraz’s flair vs. Sinner’s precision—that has fans hooked, with their 15 meetings already rivaling Federer-Nadal classics.
Fan Backlash: “Dumb Question” Goes Viral
Tennis Twitter (X) didn’t hold back, turning the exchange into instant meme fodder. The phrase “dumb question” trended alongside #AlcarazOwnsSinner, with users stunned at the implication that the 22-year-old phenom would duck his arch-nemesis:
– One top post from @TennisFanatic23: “‘Relief’ that Sinner’s not in Tokyo? Dumb question—Carlos OWNS him 7-1 this year. Let them play every week!” (12K likes, 3K retweets).
– @ATPInsider quipped: “Asking Alcaraz if Sinner’s absence is a relief is like asking Messi if no Ronaldo is good news. Grow up, journo.”
– Even neutral fans piled on: “Stunned by that question. These two elevate tennis—why wish for less rivalry?” from @GrandSlamDaily (8K views).
The backlash underscores the duo’s grip on the sport: They’ve split the last six majors (Alcaraz three, Sinner three), with Alcaraz holding a stranglehold on hard-court finals (4-0 in 2025). As one Guardian op-ed put it, Sinner’s post-US Open resolve—”ready to chase” with tweaks like more serve-volleys—promises fireworks ahead.
Tournament Context: Alcaraz’s Tokyo Path Without Sinner
Alcaraz skipped defending his 2024 China Open title to debut in Tokyo (September 25-October 1), citing schedule balance post-Laver Cup rest. His opener vs. Baez (a 6-4, 6-2 win despite the ankle slip) sets up a potential second-rounder with Zizou Bergs, then Taylor Fritz or Ben Shelton in quarters—tough, but sans Sinner, less seismic. A title here nets 500 points toward Year-End No. 1 (he’s leading Sinner 8,500-7,200 in the race).
Sinner, meanwhile, tops a loaded Beijing draw (including a possible final vs. last year’s finalist Daniil Medvedev), vowing unpredictability to crack Alcaraz’s code. Their next clash? Likely Shanghai (October 6-13), where the “Big Two” era reignites.
Alcaraz’s graceful shutdown of the “dumb question” cements his maturity—owning the rivalry not through avoidance, but elevation. Fans aren’t stunned by his answer; they’re stunned it was even asked. As Tokyo unfolds, expect more proof: This duo’s just getting started. 🎾
