Sinner, upset after losing to Alcaraz: "Today was not my day"

The Italian asserts that the match could have gone "either way" and that the tiebreak was decided "by minimal details."

Jose Morón | 2 Oct 2024 | 16.15
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Sinner, upset after losing to Alcaraz: "Today was not my day". Photo: Getty
Sinner, upset after losing to Alcaraz: "Today was not my day". Photo: Getty

The expectations we had for this Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz were high, and they did not disappoint at all. Italian and Spanish players delivered one of those finals that will be remembered over time. Perhaps not so much for being in the ATP Pekín, just a 500 event, but for the level of play in certain parts of the match and the tension experienced in the final stretch, with Alcaraz taking seven consecutive points in the tiebreak of the third and deciding set.

Sinner once again showed mental strength, leaving very few openings for his top rival. Despite playing an outstanding match, it was not enough to overcome an Alcaraz whose peak intensity is practically unbeatable.

Longest match in the history of the tournament

It is always good to be part of these kinds of matches. Disappointed that it didn't go my way, but this final could have gone to either of us. Today was not my day. He played better at crucial moments. I am proud of the week I've had, reaching the final. This is a place where I love to play. Looking forward to coming back next year.

Takeaways from this final heading to Shanghai

Shanghai is a completely different tournament. I hope to quickly find my rhythm there. I will have a tough first round, and debuts are always tough in these tournaments. This week started one way and ended in a different way. There are things I can improve on. I will try to work on that to become a better player and person. We never stop working. The three sets today were very physically demanding. It was a lengthy match. The third set was decided by minimal details.

Rivalry with Alcaraz

It's always great to face him because we push each other to the limit. Matches like this help me see areas where I need improvement. Not just with him, this happens with other players too. It's good to share the court with him. I think the fans also enjoy it. The matches are usually long, very physical, with many turning points for both of us. I feel privileged and honored to share the court with him. We both tried to win today and were very focused on every point, maintaining a great attitude on the court, making our clashes always interesting.

What happened in the final tiebreak

These things happen. I was up 3-0, served well, but the ball hit the net. If I had gone 4-0 up, it would have been different. There's no need to dwell on certain points. I think he played very well at 3-0 and 3-1, then served well at 3-2. The margins are very small. In tiebreaks, margins seem larger than they are. You have to accept it. Keep working. I've won many tiebreaks recently, but this one slipped away.

Where does this match place in your rivalry with Carlos

Hard to say. Every match has its moment. It's difficult to rank it. Surely in the Top 3 or Top 5. A final tiebreak is always tough. We've had many duels in the past, despite being so young. I'm happy to live new experiences and try to grow. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That's sports. There are ups and downs. My season has been very consistent. We will keep working towards the end of the year. Shanghai is very important to me because it's only the second time I've played it and I haven't reached the final rounds yet. I will try to focus and finish the season on a positive note.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner, contrariado tras perder contra Alcaraz: "Hoy no fue mi día"