Sinner: "Alcaraz deserves to be number one, he has played more tournaments and all at a very high level"

Carlos Navarro | 25 Sep 2025 | 15.49

Jannik Sinner started his journey in Beijing with an iron fist. Source: Getty

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Jannik Sinner was one of the protagonists of today's action at the ATP Beijing 2025. The Italian returned to the court with a new status: the number two player in the world after over 60 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings. However, anyone expecting a change in the script would be disappointed as he convincingly defeated a struggling Marin Cilic thanks to his opponent's solidity and powerful shots.

In this match, Jannik Sinner timidly dared to use a wider range of resources, attempting more changes in direction and drop shots. The outcome of the initial test was satisfactory, as the athlete from San Candido expressed during a press conference, pleased to be back at the ATP Beijing 2025, a tournament he holds fond memories of... along with an interesting reflection on his new role as the world's number two and whether it alleviates some pressure in the upcoming weeks.

- Return to competition against a Grand Slam champion, Marin Cilic

"It's always tough to play against Marin. His peak level is very high. I practiced with him in New York, so I had recent exposure, but I hold him in high regard. I managed to break his serve early on, giving me a lot of confidence for the entire match. I'm extremely pleased with my performance. I was eager to compete again, we've worked very hard to get back here. I missed competition. You're always nervous and have doubts, it's normal, that's how it is every day, but I was also excited to return. Right now, I feel great physically and mentally, which is the most important thing. Both my body and mind were fantastic today."

- For the first time in over 60 weeks, Carlos Alcaraz is the new number one. Does this alleviate some pressure? Following the split in Grand Slam victories this year, will the ATP Finals and remaining tournaments of the season determine the best of 2025?

"No, I don't think it adds or removes pressure. The season unfolded as it did: yes, the Grand Slams were shared, but we still had two very different seasons. I am extremely happy with the year I'm still completing. I feel what I have achieved is exceptional. What Carlos is achieving is also remarkable: he has won many titles this year. He deserves to be up there, it's as simple as that. He has played more tournaments and played them all at a very high level of tennis. If he has produced great results, he deserves to be there."

Whatever happens in Turin, will happen. The Davis Cup involves different factors. You don't play for yourself, you play for your country, which creates a different kind of pressure. The season is not over yet. We still have this tournament, Shanghai, Paris, two very significant Masters 1000 events, and Turin and the Davis Cup. There are still major tournaments ahead. The most important ones, the Grand Slams, are over, and we've shared them. All I can say is that I'm very pleased with the year I've had. The ranking goes up and down."

- Improvements in the facilities of the China Open in Beijing, which continue to expand

"There are more training courts now, allowing players to choose their schedules and training durations more effectively. The gym has also been upgraded, as well as the dining area, which is slightly larger and offers excellent food. Everything has improved and works wonderfully. I think all players are happy to come here. They pay a lot of attention to us and take great care of us. Everything is incredible, there is room to do whatever you want, and you feel great."

- Sensations upon arriving in China, with enthusiastic fans

"It's fantastic to return to China. From the first day of training, I noticed that many people come to watch, showing the passion for tennis here. I love being able to give them my energy. They love tennis, that's why they come here and why I play here. Returning to this great court to play an official match was a fantastic feeling; I have very fond memories. It's spectacular; every year I feel that the sport and passion for tennis are growing here. In the women's tournament as well, there are great players, just like in the men's, making the audience fantastic and vital for the country."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner: "Alcaraz se merece ser número uno, ha jugado más torneos y todos a un nivel altísimo"