US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz issues warning to Jannik Sinner ahead of Grand Slam - ‘Big target on his back’
Published 24/08/2025 at 09:46 GMT+1
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Carlos Alcaraz says that Jannik Sinner has a "big target on his back" ahead of the US Open. World No. 1 Sinner is looking to win his fourth consecutive major on a hard surface, having claimed the last two Australian Open titles and last year's US Open. Alcaraz is Sinner's most likely challenger, with the Spaniard having beaten him twice on clay this term.
Alcaraz: Sinner 'has a big target on his back' at US Open
Video credit: SNTV
Carlos Alcaraz says that Jannik Sinner has a "big target on his back" ahead of the US Open.
World No. 1 Sinner heads to Flushing Meadows looking to defend his title, claim a fifth Grand Slam, and win a fourth consecutive major on a hard surface.
Indeed, the 24-year-old Italian was on a 26-match winning streak on hard courts, before retiring from last week’s Cincinnati Open final against Alcaraz with illness.
The pair have been widely tipped to meet again at the US Open final - it would be their fifth encounter this year, with Alcaraz winning twice on clay and Sinner triumphing in their last major meeting at Wimbledon.
Ahead of the US Open’s opening round, Alcaraz told a press conference: "The last three Grand Slams on hard courts, he’s won, right? It's unbelievable the tennis he brings on hard courts.
"So I just look up to him in some way, just to be ready if I have to face him somewhere.
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‘No extra pressure’ – Sinner ‘locked in’ for first-round clash after recovering from illness
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It's going to be great. I'm just getting ready for the tournament, just to get good results. Hopefully, I will meet him in the final.
"But yeah, it would be a great result having a good run here. If I beat him, then even more so... he has a big target on his back.
"I think the respect we have [for] each other and the good relationship we have off the court, I think is great.
"Obviously, I think everybody watches what we can do every time we face each other on court. We raise the level to the top.
"But the relationship we have off the court, I think we are not used to seeing that at the same time as the great rivalry on the court. So I think that makes it really special."
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Alcaraz, who crashed out early in last year’s US Open, faces a tough first round encounter against big-serving American Reilly Opelka.
"Well, it's going to be really, really difficult playing Opelka for the first time," Alcaraz conceded. "We all know his game style.
"I have to be ready for that, have to be focused on the return, trying to put as many returns as I can in, and let's see.
"Trying to get a good rhythm in the match, playing good points from the baselines when he lets me do it, and let's see.
"The confidence is high right now. I’m feeling good on the court, I’m feeling good on the balls, just getting ready."
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