Alcaraz–Sinner friendship isn’t a problem for their rivalry says top coach
NewsMonday, 10 November 2025 at 10:40
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are big rivals on the tennis court, but off the court, they are very good friends, which doesn't have to be an issue.
Alcaraz and Sinner are the two players who everyone wants to see clash on the tennis courts. So far, they have met 15 times in ATP Tour-level matches, with Alcaraz winning 10 and his Italian rival five.
When the two step onto the court, it's always clear there will be a proper battle, even if they smile together only minutes before the match. But some fans suggested that their warm relationship could be bad for their rivalry.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic didn't start their rivalries as friends, even if they became friends later on in their careers. According to some, the true rivalry was what made it so special.
However, legendary coach Rick Macci thinks the great relationship that Alcaraz and Sinner share shouldn't be an issue for their rivalry. He recently expressed his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).
"Carlos is a happy-go-lucky guy and nice to everybody, including Sinner. When people chirp and say he is too friendly with Sinner, they do not understand the highest level of competition and greatness. When the bell rings, greatness flips the switch, and it is all about the competition."
Rivals will feel a chance against Carlos Alcaraz indoors, says Rick Macci
Alcaraz won his opening match at the 2025 ATP Finals, but his rivals will feel they have a chance to beat the Spaniard in those conditions. Although he has won a Grand Slam tournament on every surface, he has yet to totally master the indoor conditions.
So far, Sinner has been ahead of him when it comes to indoor tennis, and many other top players on the ATP Tour are better in those conditions than Alcaraz. According to Macci, the Spaniard's opponents in Turin will feel like they have a chance to beat him.
"Playing indoors, all the players feel and know they have a better shot against Alcaraz because they get more for free because of the conditions, and just by feeling that way mentally, they believe they have a real shot for the W."
Despite Alcaraz's struggles indoors early in his tennis career, Macci thinks the 22-year-old will eventually figure out how to thrive in those conditions and win more than 10 indoor titles before his career ends.
"People chirping that Carlos struggles indoors because of his style energy and the controlled atmosphere, he can not feed off the crowd like outdoors. Maybe a little. But he has won an indoor event, so that is mute. Many factors why you win and lose Indoors. The Magician will win double-figure indoor events before the final bell rings."
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