Jannik Sinner explains the difference between facing Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz after losing big leads to both
**Jannik Sinner Reflects on Facing Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz After French Open 2025 Final Loss**
Following his epic 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open 2025 final on June 8, Jannik Sinner offered insights into the distinct challenges of facing Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, both of whom he lost to after holding significant leads. Sinner, who led by two sets against Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon quarter-finals and by two sets to one against Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open semi-finals, spoke about their contrasting styles during his post-final press conference, as reported by Tennis.com.
Against Djokovic, whom Sinner defeated 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in the 2025 French Open semi-finals, he highlighted the Serbian’s relentless defensive play and tactical adaptability. “Novak makes you feel like every ball is coming back, suffocating you with his consistency. You have to hit through him, and even when you’re leading, he finds ways to extend points and exploit any dip in focus,” Sinner said, referencing Djokovic’s ability to save break points with clutch serving, as seen in their 2023 Nitto ATP Finals match, per ATPTour.com. Sinner noted Djokovic’s experience, saying, “He’s been in those moments so many times, you know he’ll never give up, like at Wimbledon ’22 when I couldn’t close it out.”
In contrast, Sinner described Alcaraz as a more unpredictable and explosive opponent, whose athleticism and shot-making force constant adjustments. “Carlos can flip a match with one shot—a drop shot, a lob, or a forehand you don’t expect. It’s less about grinding and more about surviving his bursts,” he said, per The Guardian. Sinner acknowledged Alcaraz’s mental resilience, noting how he erased three championship points in the fourth set of the 2025 final, leveraging a 7-4 head-to-head edge on clay, per tenngrand.com. “When you lead against Carlos, you know he’ll go for broke, and his defense makes you overhit,” Sinner added, citing Alcaraz’s ability to counter his forehand crosscourt with a “monster counterpunching forehand,” as an X post by @imakanksh observed.[](https://x.com/imakanksh/status/1931714570919522354)
Sinner emphasized that Djokovic’s challenge lies in sustained pressure, while Alcaraz’s is in navigating sudden momentum shifts, saying, “Novak tests your endurance; Carlos tests your adaptability.” Despite the loss, Sinner remained optimistic, stating, “These matches make me better. I’ll learn from both,” per Tennis.com.
