Sinner: "It's a pity that Alcaraz is not here, he is who everyone wants to see"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 4 Oct 2025 | 16.10

Jannik Sinner talks about Alcaraz in Shanghai. Photo: gettyimages

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It is never easy to start a tournament after having lifted a title just a few days ago, but Jannik Sinner has overcome the success hangover at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2025, swiftly resolving his match against Altmaier. During the press conference, he addressed several controversial issues, such as Zverev's criticism of the courts, Alcaraz's absence, and Djokovic's legacy.

More relaxed, natural, and transparent with each passing day. This is how Jannik Sinner presents himself during his press conferences, and after defeating Altmaier in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2025, he did not avoid any questions from the journalists. The Italian paid tribute to the absent Alcaraz, and his response to Zverev's comments about court speed and the trend favoring both the Italian and the Spanish players by tournament directors was also intriguing.

- Sinner discusses Djokovic and Alcaraz in Shanghai, in addition to responding to Zverev's controversial remarks

- Coexisting on the circuit with a legend like Novak Djokovic

"It's great to share this time with him and be in the same tournament playing consecutively. It's a great honor for me to compete while he continues to do so, and it’s fantastic for our sport that he remains in the game," said a man who solidified part of his path to the elite in matchups against Djokovic, like those at the end of 2023, where he made a significant qualitative leap, reaching a status he hasn't come down from since.

- Sinner misses Alcaraz in Shanghai

Carlos Alcaraz's absence at the Chinese event somewhat overshadowed the media buzz and was a blow to the tournament organizers and fans. While the presence of Sinner and Djokovic softens the disappointment of not seeing the Spanish player, Sinner is aware of the enormous appeal that the player from Murcia generates. "It's a shame he's not here because I believe he's the player everyone wants to see," commented the current world number 2.

- Sinner's response to Zverev's controversial statements

Zverev's words in Shanghai about the trend of all tournaments to slow down and standardize the courts have gone viral, with the German interpreting this as a move to favor Sinner and Alcaraz. When asked about this, the Italian was firm. "Neither Carlos nor I are the ones who dictate the world of tennis or how the courts are. It's not our decision, but we try to adapt to each situation. I have also played great tennis on fast courts," said a Jannik Sinner who sends a subtle message to the German at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2025.