Mats Wilander calls Carlos Alcaraz the true No. 1 despite ATP rankings
ATPTuesday, 11 June 2024 at 19:30
Mats
Wilander stated that Carlos Alcaraz is superior to Jannik Sinner and is the
true No. 1 in the ATP rankings. The former Swedish tennis player argued that
the Spaniard has more and better tools that give him better chances in Grand
Slam tournaments.
Alcaraz
won his first Roland Garros title – his third Grand Slam – on Sunday after
defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. Two days earlier, he faced Sinner,
emerging victorious in a five-set battle: 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Wilander: Alcaraz, the best tennis player in the world
Despite
the semifinal loss at the French Open, Jannik Sinner had already secured his
position as the new world No. 1 after Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal
from the tournament in the quarterfinals. The Serbian was defending points from
his 2023 title, and his early exit ensured that Sinner would become the first
Italian to reach the top of the rankings.
In an
interview with L’Equipe, 7-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander discussed the
rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz and their recent achievements following
Roland Garros. The former Swedish player remarked that rankings are ‘just data’
and chose Alcaraz as the best tennis player in the world: "Alcaraz is only
21 years old and has shown that he doesn't need to play his best tennis to win;
it's the mark of the greatest,” Wilander said.
“His
chances of winning other Slams are very high, not because of his shots but
because of his brain and his courage. He is incredible. He controls the
exchanges, and it seems that the match always depends on him,” the former world
No. 1 added.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at 2023 Miami Open
“He has an immense arsenal, and I'm sure, after the Big 3, he is a
real godsend for our sport. Sinner the new No. 1? Being number 1 is just a
matter of computers; it's just data. People will always prefer live tennis over
a machine," he concluded.
The
rivalry between them is currently led by Alcaraz, who is ahead 5-4, including
the most recent victory at Roland Garros. The Spaniard has fourteen career
titles, including two this year, won at Indian Wells and Roland Garros. On the
other hand, the Italian has 13 career titles, three of which he won this year
(Australian Open, Rotterdam Open, and Miami Open).
Read also
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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