At the Monte-Carlo Masters, Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated final to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. However, shortly after the trophy presentation, social media attention shifted away from the tennis to Sinner’s victory celebration.
Following the win, Sinner shared a brief, polite hug with his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, sparking a wave of internet memes comparing his reserved reaction with Hasanovic to the warm, smiling interactions he shares with his archrival, Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner’s Stiff Girlfriend Hug vs. Alcaraz Chemistry Memes Explained by Blair Henley
During the latest episode of the “Love All” podcast with Kim Clijsters, tennis reporter Blair Henley discussed the Sincaraz rivalry and the side-by-side comparison in memes. Henley thinks that Sinner’s reaction makes perfect sense for his character, as the Italian is known for being a quiet, private person who prefers to keep his personal life off-camera.
“I was amused by the various social media memes and videos about how Sinner has more chemistry with Alcaraz than with his gorgeous model girlfriend who he hugged after the match,” Henley said.
“If you know Jannik’s personality you know he’s not going to go in for you know a passionate hug and a kiss after a win on camera… but when you when you juxtapose the two with sort of this stiff hug and then I mean they are just total buddies; him and Carlos.”
His rivalry and friendship with Alcaraz is a different story. Though they know their primary job is to best each other when the trophies are on the line, their rapport always seems warm, without any hint of drama or grudge.
When asked about the friendship, Sinner said, “I do have also other players I feel very close to… But with Carlos, it is also a bit different because of on-court reasons. We have a very good relationship, rivalry, call it however. I feel like we can talk about everything still.”
KEEP READING: Carlos Alcaraz Admits Online Abuse Makes Him Doubt If He Is ‘Good Enough’
After Monte-Carlo, Sinner is taking a scheduled week off to rest and recover, while preparing to return at the upcoming Madrid Open. Alcaraz traveled directly to Spain for the Barcelona Open, defeated Otto Virtanen 6-4, 6-2 in the Round of 32, but had to withdraw from the tournament due to a right wrist injury. That meant he will not reclaim the world No. 1 ranking from Sinner this week. The Spaniard is aiming to be fit for the Madrid Open (starting 22 April) and the Italian Open (starting 5 May) before defending his title at the French Open in late May.
