Sinner responds to Alcaraz’s early Miami exit as number one ranking comes into focus

Jannik Sinner has shared his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz’s surprise exit from the Miami Open.

Alcaraz fell to Sebastian Korda in the third round, while Sinner is still very much in the hunt and preparing for a quarterfinal clash with American Frances Tiafoe.

Sinner is chasing an impressive feat known as the Sunshine Double, having already claimed the Indian Wells title earlier this month and now looking to add Miami to his collection.

Before turning his focus fully to Tiafoe, Sinner was asked about Alcaraz’s unexpected departure from the tournament. Here’s what he had to say:

Jannik Sinner responds to Carlos Alcaraz’s early exit from the Miami Open

Sinner told Tennis Channel after beating Alex Michelsen in the round of 16: “Him being number one and me being number two, the only way we face each other is potentially in the final.

“There is a long way to go. There are tough matches to go. I am someone who likes to watch tennis. I watch Carlos too.

“But at the same time every match is different and they are tough matches and tough competitors, who are against me.

“To lose is in one second, but to win, you don’t win the tournament in the first rounds, but you can always lose early.

“In my mind I know I can go far but I also know that I can lose, so I always go day by day and one opponent at a time.”

Tiafoe has been having some issues with his form recently. He’s lost three of his last four matches going into this clash with Sinner, who also owns a 4-1 lead in their previous head-to-head meetings.

Jannik Sinner says he isn’t focused on the ATP number one ranking

With only Alcaraz ahead of him in the standings, Sinner spoke about his mindset going into the next round.

There’s a clear gap between the top two and the rest of the field right now. Speaking about his place in the rankings, Sinner said: “I know the scenarios, but at the same time clay is completely different.

“It depends how you start and how you feel on the surface. But it is the same there. Everything that is coming is positive.

“Even if I should lose a little bit earlier, the points are always going to come in. I don’t have anything to defend.”

Sinner has a chance to add his name to that list during this year’s clay season if he can lift the trophy at Roland Garros.

Iga Swiatek is also closing in on a career Grand Slam of her own, with just an Australian Open title needed to complete her set.

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