A BETTER SINNER TO COME

Alcaraz anticipates changes from Italian as both men crank up the level of their rivalry

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Ahead of his maiden Japan Open appearance in Tokyo, Carlos Alcaraz is excited to experience the energy of the Japanese supporters. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz said he will have to prepare for a new and improved Jannik Sinner after beating his great rival in the US Open final.

Italy’s Sinner admitted he needed to overhaul his “predictable” game after losing in New York earlier in September in the latest of a string of recent defeats by his Spanish rival.

Alcaraz is playing at the Japan Open in Tokyo this week, while Sinner will compete at the China Open in Beijing in his first appearance since the US Open.

Alcaraz said on Sept 24 that he would need to be ready for a different Sinner the next time he faces the world No. 2 on the court.

“I know he’s going to change something from the last match,” he said. “It’s the same thing that I did when I lost to him a couple of times.

“I tried to be a better player the next time I was going to face him. I have to be focused and I have to be ready for that change.”