ATP World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz joined the tennis fraternity in congratulating Jannik Sinner who won a maiden Masters 1000 title at the 2023 Canadian Open.
Sinner was a class above Alex de Minaur in Sunday's final, dropping just five games to round off a near-perfect week in which he lost one set. Although the projected semifinal between Sinner and Alcaraz never materialized - largely due to Tommy Paul's heroics - Sinner outlasted the American in two tight sets.
Sinner and Alcaraz are tipped to be the flag bearers of men's tennis for the next decade, and the pair have been involved in high-stakes matches already in their blossoming careers, most notably their epic quarterfinal clash at last year's US Open where Alcaraz saved a match point to win in five sets.
Alcaraz was quick to take to Instagram to heap praise on Sinner's title success and didn't hide his delight. The two of them have nothing but a show of humility and respect for each other.
"You deserve it Jannik! So happy for you."
Sinner holds Alcaraz in high regard too and he previously admitted he has grown into a better player who pushes beyond his limits, while also adding he's improved Alcaraz too. It's not rocket science to even dispute this and Alcaraz equally feels the same.
Prior to the tournament, Sinner said he was more focussed on his own path and felt that Alcaraz is a step ahead in their current rivalry, but is not content in playing second fiddle. He feels Alcaraz is the yardstick when it comes to intensity and level, and he wants to experience that matchup on a frequent basis.
Sinner will next turn his attention to the Cincinnati Masters where Alcaraz is the top seed. The pair of them are in opposite halves of the draw and can only meet each other in the final.
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