"At least I can compete without injuring myself! We can have fun with it" - Sinner and Alcaraz embrace light hearted 'rivalry' away from court but get serious when clashing

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have been through some titanic battles on the court over the last two years. Whether deep in Grand Slam, Masters 1000 or any other events they are in. Despite this, their relationship off court is remarkably very good.

"I said at the US Open that I’m seeing him more than my mom, actually," Alcaraz began when speaking to CNN. "But no, I never get tired of seeing him. It’s good and bad, you know—it’s kind of both. But no, we’re very happy to see each other."

Their relationship is more than tennis. "When we practice together or see each other in the locker room, it’s great," Sinner admitted. "It’s natural that you get to know each other better and better. We talk about family and life in general, and share some personal stuff too—it’s great. So, I don’t think it has changed much; it’s just become better because we know each other more deeply now."

The pair's 'rivalry' on court is for the world to see as they lock horns for the biggest titles in tennis. However, off the court Alcaraz does not see them as rivals, just when on the court.

"I think the word 'rivalry' applies to the professional side—just the tennis part. On court, we’re trying to find each other’s weaknesses. But then when we shake hands and we’re off the court, we’re totally different. We sometimes forget about the rivalry we have on tour and just become people again. I think that’s good—and that’s what 'rivalry' really means to me."

Along with their rivalry in tennis, they enjoy doing other sporting events with each other, including skiing, golf and go karting. Alcaraz has shut down rumours of rivalry in these activities. "No, no, no. I said there’s no chance in skiing. There’s no chance in karting either!" he said laughing.

"The difference in skiing between us is the same as the difference in golf between us! In karting, I don’t know—maybe it’s closer," Sinner replied. "But yeah, in extreme sports like skiing or golf, the gap is more or less the same. Or maybe you’ve secretly taken some lessons on the ski slopes—I don’t know."

Alcaraz kept his cards to his chest. "I’m not going to say anything about my skiing level right now. In karting, though, he’s destroying me. But at least I can compete without injuring myself. We can have fun with it," he said.

Both players have travelled to Turin with one thing in mind: to lift the trophy, with the number one ranking also on the side. When asked how much this week is about winning the trophy and staying number one, Alcaraz said: "It’s both. Obviously, I need a really good result here if I want to finish number one, so for me, the goals are basically the same right now."

While earlier on downplaying the battle for the world number one, Sinner is still very much motivated to clinch the title back and whatever else comes with it. "Yeah, I mean, for me it’s been a different kind of year—some very unusual situations," Sinner said. "There’s definitely that extra motivation and pressure, but it’s also a privilege to be in this position. It would be something really special to finish the year with a win or a big trophy. But you also can’t forget how the season has gone, everything we’ve both achieved over the past two years. It’s been a great year again."

Not all talk about Alcaraz is about tennis. From the US Open, a lot of it has been his hair. From shaving it off ahead of his title triumph at Flushing Meadows to dying it blonde then to silver. It has been through a lot recently, with Alcaraz fond of it. "Just two changes—well, actually three! My team’s scared about next year. But this year has been really good with the changes. If something worked, why should I change it," Alcaraz said with a smile.

Sinner summed it up with two words: "Amazing. Unexpected." He was not looking at changing his hair anytime soon, not taking any inspiration from the Spaniard. "Honestly, I’m good with this messy hair. But it looks great on him—it suits him very well. I like it like this, especially with the black and white." The colours ended itself coincidentally to something else. "It’s also good because we’re in Turin—you can cheer for Juventus," Sinner joked. Alcaraz realised in the moment, as he laughed: "I didn’t even think about it, actually."

While off the court they are on good terms, their renowned rivalry could be sparked into action once more at the ATP Finals. The pair have both got off to winning starts, and are once again the favourites for success in a major event.