Novak Djokovic was in no doubt when choosing who is better out of French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner.
On Sunday (June 8), Alcaraz, 22, and Sinner, 23, played out a gruelling five-hour and 29-minute-long French Open final which saw the Spaniard come out on top at Roland-Garros.
The younger of the pair is now a five-time Grand Slam champion. As for Sinner, he will ultimately look back on the match with disappointment, having controlled proceedings at various points and looked in charge.
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“Even though it is very difficult right now, it is okay,” Sinner said shortly after the final.
"It is a big privilege for me to be here and to play here. For me, Paris is a really special place. I have achieved many great things here. I'm still happy with this one. It is an amazing trophy.
"I won't sleep very well tonight, but it is okay."
Alcaraz was quick to praise his opponent’s efforts and, as ever, was gracious in victory.
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He said: “I want to start with Jannik. It is amazing the level you have, congratulations for an amazing tournament to you and your team.
"I know the hard work you put in. I know how hard you are chasing every tournament. I am sure you will be a champion many, many times, and it is a privilege to share the court with you and making history with you.”
En route to the final, Sinner overcame Djokovic. So, who does the great Serbian consider to be the best out of Sinner and Alcaraz?
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“Jannik is in tremendous form, and he has been the best player for the last couple of years, deservedly," Djokovic said ahead of his French Open semi-final against Sinner.
"He's been playing some terrific tennis, attacking tennis, and just super strong from every aspect of his game.
“But these matchups and challenges extract the best out of me. Playing best-of-five, late stages of a Grand Slam against the world No. 1 is… You can't get more motivated than that for me at this age. How am I going to stop him? I don't think about that. I think about how I am going to execute what I want on the court and feel how I want to feel.”
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Tennis
Luke Davies