The Japan Times - 'Beautiful' battle with Sinner extra motivation: Alcaraz

Sinner defeated Alcaraz in the final at the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday to usurp him at the top of the world rankings. Alcaraz can claim back the spot with victory in Barcelona this week, where he finished runner-up last year.

"I think the battle for number one that Jannik and I are having is a very beautiful one, and I think it's probably an extra motivation," Alcaraz told reporters.

"The truth is that Jannik and I have a very good relationship. Obviously it's not super personal, we don't go out to dinner, we don't go eat together, but I think the relationship we have off court is very good."

Alcaraz said the Italian was driving him on to be a better player, although he would "not miss him" this week in Barcelona.

"(He's someone who) makes me better, who makes me aware of my weaknesses, who makes me realise what I really have to focus on in every practice and every match," said the 22-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner.

"I try to push myself every day, and that's why it's really nice to have him as a reference point and to see him achieving everything he's achieving."

Alcaraz said he was happy to see Sinner taking "giant steps forward" on clay and that they were very even on every surface.

"When we face each other, between him and me there isn't really a favourite, it doesn't matter if we play on grass, on hard court or on clay," he added.

The Spaniard has won the Barcelona Open twice, in 2022 and 2023, and takes on Finnish player Otto Virtanen on Tuesday in the round of 32.

T.Ueda--JT