Jannik Sinner says his recent changes weren’t about Carlos Alcaraz, stressing his goal is to become a more complete player rather than tailoring his game to one rival.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz find themselves in a rivalry for the top spot in tennis. While the two have a friendly rapport, the competition between them is stiff.
But is Sinner making changes to his game to ensure he can retain his Australian Open crown and defeat Carlos Alcaraz? The answer from the Italian star is a resounding no.
Jannik Sinner addresses Carlos Alcaraz rivalry talk
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, Jannik Sinner claimed his adjustments to his serve, transition play, and physical preparation were made to improve his all-round level, not just to match up better against the world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz.
Asked whether his off-season tweaks were aimed at closing the gap to Alcaraz, Sinner gave a direct and composed answer that underlined his long-term perspective.
“No, it’s not only for one specific player. If you add something to your game, it’s the aim to get better as a tennis player. It’s not about beating one guy; it’s more about feeling comfortable in every situation.
“That’s what we tried to do in the off-season, physically. […] So you have to be at the top physical level as long as you can.”
The 24-year-old is bidding for a third consecutive Australian Open title and has shared the last eight Grand Slam wins with Alcaraz, including three straight finals between them.
Still, Sinner maintains that his focus lies in refining every aspect of his game, not tailoring his style around one opponent.
Jannik Sinner’s focus is on balance, not obsession
Jannik Sinner said his off-season work was about small, calculated improvements rather than sweeping changes.
His team concentrated on improving the serve, the transition to the net, and physical endurance to withstand long, high-intensity matches.
“When you are at the top level, small details make the difference. The game now is fast, physical, and intense. You have to manage your body in the best possible way and stay there mentally for a long time.”
The Italian praised long-time coaches Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi for providing stability and helping him develop consistency.
Sinner begins his title defence against France’s Hugo Gaston and could face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, but his focus remains unchanged — improving every area of his game, one step at a time.
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