World No. 1 Jannik Sinner`s coach, Simone Vagnozzi, shared his perspective on his player`s recent encounters with Carlos Alcaraz, specifically addressing the fact that Sinner has lost their last four completed matches.
“I would still consider Riyadh [the 2024 exhibition final where Sinner defeated Alcaraz],” Vagnozzi commented. “Even though it was an exhibition event, there was significant importance attached to that match… Both players genuinely pushed hard to win.”
Analyzing their contests further, he stated, “In all their matches, the result has hinged on minute details. In Rome, naturally, it was a bit tougher for us. Alcaraz had accumulated many clay court matches by then, while our preparation was somewhat different. Despite that, we were pleased with our performance – particularly the first set, which was evenly matched. This was largely the kind of battle we anticipated. A lot also depends on the spin they each generate.”
Vagnozzi continued, “It even appears that the underdog tends to win more frequently in their matchups. If we found ourselves in a final against him again, we would likely be viewed as the underdogs – and perhaps that dynamic could work in our favor. However, during the course of a match, there are small windows of opportunity that can drastically alter its trajectory – one must be vigilant and capitalize on them. It didn`t happen for us in Rome, but honestly, I don`t think there are any deep secrets hidden within their matches against one another.”
Offering a broader view on young athletes, he added, “Did I watch the documentary series about Alcaraz? Yes, I found it enjoyable. It`s crucial for people to grasp that these young men are merely 22 or 23 years old, and they also desire to experience life fully at times. Instead, they are frequently subjected to harsh criticism and scrutiny after even just one loss, as if defeat is an impossibility for them. We should always remember the significant sacrifices these guys make to pursue their passion.”
