Jannik Sinner’s 19-match profitable streak ended with a three-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday in Indian Wells, the place the “grateful” Italian was already analysing methods to be higher.
Spain’s Alcaraz, the defending champion within the prestigious ATP-WTA Masters occasion, rallied after dropping the primary set for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sinner.
Not solely did he e book a return journey to the ultimate, he denied Sinner’s bid — at the very least for now — to seize the world quantity two rating for the primary time.
Sinner, whose 16-0 begin to the 12 months included his maiden Grand Slam title and a victory at Rotterdam, stated he wasn’t too involved in regards to the finish of a profitable streak that stretched to final 12 months.
“I don’t assume a lot about that,” the 22-year-old stated. “I’ve been optimistic all through this profitable streak, optimistic even now, as a result of, I misplaced within the semis of Indian Wells, which remains to be a fantastic consequence.
“Now, the subsequent event is Miami. So I’m targeted already for Miami. For certain it’s powerful that it has to finish like this right here, as a result of for me it is a actually particular place to play in, however I really feel grateful for what I’m doing.”
Report | Alcaraz rallies from set down after 3-hour rain delay to finish Sinner’s profitable streak
Sinner got here out robust after a three-hour rain delay that halted the match after simply three video games.
He gained 4 straight video games to take the primary set, however Alcaraz made the changes he wanted to take management within the second.
“You might be all the time impressed if you play towards him,” Sinner stated.
“He’s transferring actually, actually quick, as we all know. Particularly on this courtroom the place the ball bounces actually excessive, it’s not straightforward to play towards him, as a result of he can play with plenty of spin.
“However what I’ve missed at this time (is) that I used to be too predictable at some factors,” Sinner added.
“I used to be doing the identical issues time and again, which in my thoughts let me down … I believe that’s the lesson for at this time.”
Regardless of the end result, Sinner stated he relished the prospect to tackle Alcaraz on such a giant stage.
“Packed stadium. Two younger gamers making an attempt their finest. That is enjoyable,” he stated.
One scrambling rally had Sinner diving to get a ball again. He got here up shaking out his proper arm and rubbing his elbow.
“For the time being, I really feel a bit of bit all the pieces on my physique,” he stated with a smile. “Nevertheless it’s regular.
“Once I fell, I felt a bit of bit the elbow as a result of I fell over the elbow and I rolled over. So was for me after powerful to serve.”