Sinner: "Tennis needs Alcaraz"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 24 Apr 2026 | 20.03

Sinner: "Tennis needs Alcaraz". Photo: Getty Images.

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Jannik Sinner was not unaware of the day's news: Carlos Alcaraz will not participate in Roland Garros due to his wrist injury. This way, the Italian becomes the main favorite in the three remaining clay court tournaments (Madrid, Rome, and Paris). However, the world number one did not want to talk about it and preferred to send a nice message to the Murcian.

He did so in the press conference following his demanding debut at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open. The San Candido native had to roll up his sleeves to come back against a tough Benjamin Bonzi with a score of 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4. In addition to lamenting Alcaraz's absence at Roland Garros and its consequences, the world number one also spoke about his challenging start at the Caja Mágica.

Jannik Sinner sent a nice message to Carlos Alcaraz after his withdrawal from Roland Garros was confirmed

"The most important thing is for him to return as soon as possible. Obviously, with this news, some things change a bit. He will be greatly missed during this period, especially for me, of course, but there are other players who are very hard to beat, so we'll see."

He wishes him a quick recovery and believes the break will benefit him

"The most important thing to say is that tennis needs Carlos. Tennis is a much better sport when he is around. Personally, it's nice when he is in the draw because it makes you watch the matches differently. Although if I were to face him, it would normally be in a final, being seeded one and two."

"But being young, going through tough times can happen. I'm sure he will come back stronger. Injuries are always complicated, particularly in the wrist, which is a very delicate area. We have seen it with other players in the past, it can really complicate things. I hope he returns and does not have any more problems. I also believe it's good for him and his team to take their time. If you come back too soon, it can be worse later on. We all want him to return competitive. I suppose his next goal will be Wimbledon, and I hope he will be there."

He knew a tough debut awaited him in Madrid

"It was not a surprise. I think you have to expect the first matches to always be very tough, especially here in Madrid, with really difficult conditions. I'm happy to have turned the match around. Mentally, it was not easy today, so I'm satisfied with the performance. Obviously, I know if I want to go far, I have to improve and raise my level, but I also know that every day is different, and I hope it will be so in the future."

He will not lower his expectations even if Alcaraz is absent

"No, honestly, because all tournaments are difficult. We saw it last year when I didn't play, he had to fight more. Now we will see how I react, but I don't put more pressure on myself. I think it's important to train and do everything possible to be the best player I can be, for myself, and that's what has led me to success. I know perfectly well that if I continue like this, it will make me stronger, and that is the most important thing."

"Then matches are won or lost. You can win a tournament or lose in the first round if you make three more mistakes or lose a break. Mentally, I know it's difficult to be at 100% all the time, but I try, and we'll see how far I can go," says Jannik Sinner, who will not have more epic encounters with Carlos Alcaraz until a few months from now.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner: "El tenis necesita a Alcaraz"