"I miss seeing him around, playing against him": Something is missing for Carlos Alcaraz as Spaniard pines over rival Jannik Sinner

Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 14:00

Carlos Alcaraz's US Open title defence went up in smoke as he ended at gone near 4am in the morning losing out to Ben Shelton, but in reality the Spaniard left smiling.

Alcaraz had competed in his first tournament for over five months after suffering a wrist injury that left him in pain every day. He did not defend his French Open crown or compete at Wimbledon and did not know if he could play in New York until a week before.

So as a result, it was certainly an interesting time for the World No.3 as he navigates a world where he now has to push to try and return to his best. He plays his next stage of his recovery this week with the Laver Cup next up for him.

He will headline Team Europe alongside US Open and French Open champion Alexander Zverev who will be favourites to turn the tide and return the title to Europe. But he spoke also about his US Open run and also missing Jannik Sinner.

Alcaraz at the US Open.

"The quarter-final was great - it was a gift for me," Alcaraz told BBC Sport. "I suffered, but I enjoyed and that's why I smiled when I walked out of the court because I missed that feeling."

The 3:34am finish has become a big talking point and Alcaraz admitted that he thinks it is too much and there should be a curfew ala Wimbledon for these matches.

"I think it's too much," Alcaraz said. "The last match people stayed but if that match was played earlier, the court could have been packed.

"I would like to change the schedule a little with a maximum finish at 11pm or whatever would be better."

Missing Jannik Sinner

He also showed his love for playing formats like Laver Cup and teaming up with other players and why he loves it. "When you have your team-mates, the best in the world, by your side, it's a weird feeling but it's beautiful," Alcaraz said.

"We played like our lives depend on it. That's why the Laver Cup is so good to watch as well."

Speaking of love, he also discussed missing his nearest rival in Jannik Sinner and how he has texted him a few times but not as of late. But he said that he is missing playing him and being around on tour together.

He said that in theory too the tour suffers as they're not duking it out at the top right now and that the game is better when they're both at full health.

"I have text him not too much, but a few times when he has been winning everything, mostly at the beginning of the year," Alcaraz added.

Read also

"I miss him, I miss seeing him around, playing against him. He pushes me to be a better player. People will be waiting for those matches, so I think it's going to be better."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

LIVE Singapore Tennis Open | Alexandra Eala down early in return to action