Jannik Sinner reacted to his rival Carlos Alcaraz finishing as the World No. 1 in the 2025 season. The tussle for the year-end No. 1 ranking between the Italian and the Spaniard ended when the latter won all three group matches at the 2025 ATP Finals, securing the position — a feat he has achieved for the second time in his career.
Jannik Sinner Discusses Carlos Alcaraz Finishing As the Year-End No. 1 in 2025
Sinner was gracious and complimentary of his great rival as the Spaniard overtook him for the year-end No. 1 ranking. The Italian made no bones about being disappointed at not claiming the ranking himself, but he praised Alcaraz’s achievements during the season, commending the Spaniard’s high level of play throughout the year. He said, “I’m happy for him, but if I told you I was super happy, … I’d be telling a lie. But he deserves it, he’s had an incredible season… he’s won two Slams, eight tournaments. He’s playing at a very high level, he’s competitive on any surface.”
Jannik Sinner on Carlos Alcaraz ending the year as the world #1, ‘If I had to choose another player to end up #1, I’d always choose him, he deserves it’
“I’m happy for him, but if I told you I was super happy… I’d be telling a lie! But he deserves it, he’s had an incredible… pic.twitter.com/lSQyk9Cqdq
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 14, 2025
Sinner acknowledged the pressures Alcaraz faced over the course of the season and complimented his on-court performances despite those obstacles. He praised Alcaraz as a “good guy” and also mentioned the Spaniard’s team, congratulating their efforts as well. The Italian went as far as to say that Alcaraz would be his choice for the No. 1 ranking if he himself could not have it.
Sinner said, “He had the pressure too; he managed it very well, but I’m glad for him. He’s a really good guy, he has a great team around him, and he’s earned these achievements. For me, this is motivation for next year. If I had to choose another player to end up No. 1, I’d always choose him; he deserves it.”
More: Jannik Sinner Echoes Carlos Alcaraz’s Davis Cup Suggestion Amid Recent Withdrawals
Both Sinner and Alcaraz were a class apart for a second consecutive season on the tour, as the two players divided the four majors between them, playing in the final at three of them. While the Spaniard has won eight titles from 10 finals so far, the Italian has bagged five titles from nine finals this season.
However, in their head-to-head rivalry, Sinner has struggled against Alcaraz in recent encounters. This year, the pair have met five times, with the Italian winning only one match — the Wimbledon final — while the Spaniard prevailed in the finals of the Italian Open, French Open, Cincinnati Open, and the U.S. Open.
