“It’s a big pity”: Jannik Sinner reacts to Alcaraz and Djokovic absences in Madrid

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner admitted it is “a big pity” not to see Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in the draw at the Madrid Open, but their absence arrives at a decisive moment in his season. The Italian is pursuing a fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title, a milestone that would set a new benchmark in the modern era.

Sinner’s current sequence — titles in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo — has already positioned him among the most dominant runs in ATP history. Only Rafael Nadal and Djokovic have managed four consecutive Masters crowns, without extending that streak further. Madrid therefore represents a rare opportunity to move beyond that historical ceiling.

The context surrounding the tournament is equally significant. Alcaraz withdrew with a wrist injury after reaching the Monte-Carlo final and competing in Barcelona shortly after, while Djokovic opted to skip the event due to ongoing physical issues following his last appearance at Indian Wells. Their absence reduces direct resistance at the top level while increasing the expectation that Sinner capitalises.

“I think, first of all, it’s tough not to see Carlos here in the draw, playing on home soil,” the 4-time Grand Slam champion said to Teledeporte. “It’s always special for him, and he always competes incredibly well with the support he gets. And also not seeing Novak here — you know, two of the biggest stars in our sport not competing — it’s a big pity for the tournament.”

Sinner begins his campaign with a first-round bye and will face a qualifier in his opening match. Potential third-round opponents include Gabriel Diallo or Alex Michelsen, both capable of extending rallies and testing his consistency, but not established threats at the latter stages of a Masters 1000 event.

Even with a favourable structure, Sinner downplayed any suggestion of a simplified path. His focus remains on the cumulative difficulty of progressing through the rounds, particularly in Madrid’s altitude conditions, which accelerate the surface and reward first-strike tennis while reducing margins in key moments. “In my mind, if I want to play against Carlos, it would be in the final. And the road to the final is very long and tough — you have to go through many strong opponents.”

Beyond the draw, Madrid represents a potential historical milestone. Sinner is one title away from becoming the first player in the modern era to win five consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments, extending beyond what Nadal and Djokovic achieved during their respective peaks.

The conditions in Madrid may further support that objective. The altitude produces faster clay, favouring aggressive baseline patterns and efficient serving — both central to Sinner’s current form. Combined with the absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic, it creates one of his clearest opportunities to extend the streak.

At the same time, the ranking implications are significant. With his closest challengers not competing, Sinner has the chance to increase his lead at No. 1 ahead of Rome and Roland Garros, reinforcing his position during a critical phase of the season.

“I always take it day by day and focus on my side, on what I have to do. Of course, I hope that in the future I can compete against him here in Spain. I think it would be a nice experience for me, something that would help me grow as a player.

But for now, the most important thing is that he comes back as soon as possible — and then we’ll see.”