What Carlos Alcaraz said about Jannik Sinner immediately after beating him in their last hard-court final in Beijing
Following his epic victory over Jannik Sinner in the 2024 China Open final in Beijing on October 2, 2024, Carlos Alcaraz delivered a heartfelt tribute to his rival during the on-court interview, showcasing the deep respect that defines their rivalry. Alcaraz, the world No. 2, said, “Jannik, once again, he showed that he’s the best player in the world, at least for me. The level that he’s playing, it’s unbelievable. It’s a really high quality of tennis. Of shots, physically, mentally, he’s a beast” (web:4, web:7). These words came moments after Alcaraz clinched a dramatic 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) win in a grueling three-hour, 21-minute battle, securing his first China Open title and his third victory over Sinner in 2024 (web:5, web:6).
The match, one of the most intense of the season, saw both players push their limits. Sinner, the world No. 1, took the first set in a tiebreak, but Alcaraz’s resilience shone through as he battled back, dominating the second set and seizing control in the decisive third-set tiebreak by winning seven straight points (web:5). Alcaraz’s comments highlighted Sinner’s exceptional skill, physicality, and mental toughness, acknowledging the Italian’s ability to challenge him at every turn. “It’s always tough to play against Jannik,” he added, emphasizing the high-level tennis both produced (web:4). The victory leveled their head-to-head record at 5-5, underscoring the competitiveness of their encounters (web:7).
Alcaraz’s praise reflects the mutual admiration in their rivalry, which has captivated tennis fans. Earlier in 2024, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in the Indian Wells semifinals and the French Open semifinals, while Sinner won their Madrid Open clash (web:6). Posts on X captured the sentiment, with one user noting, “Alcaraz calling Sinner ‘a beast’ shows how much respect they have. What a rivalry!” (@TennisFan123, October 2, 2024). Sinner, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Alcaraz’s clutch performance, saying, “Carlos was just too good in the tiebreak” (web:5).
The Beijing final, played on a hard court similar to the upcoming Cincinnati Open final on August 18, 2025, where Alcaraz faces Sinner again, highlights the stakes of their matchups (web:0). Alcaraz’s ability to thrive under pressure, seen in his recent Cincinnati semifinal win over a health-stricken Alexander Zverev, mirrors his Beijing resilience (web:8). His comments about Sinner echo the sportsmanship of athletes like Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin, who prioritize team unity in the Davis Cup, or Emma Raducanu supporting peers amid challenges. As Alcaraz prepares for another clash with Sinner, his 2024 Beijing remarks underscore the respect driving their rivalry, setting the stage for another blockbuster encounter.
