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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Tumaini Carayol in Madrid

Jannik Sinner says Alcaraz’s absence from Madrid Open ‘tough to swallow’

Jannik Sinner (right) shakes hands with Carlos Alcaraz after the final of the Monte Carlo Masters this month
Jannik Sinner (right) is chasing a record fifth straight Masters title. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Jannik Sinner described Carlos Alcaraz’s injury withdrawal from the Madrid Open as “tough to swallow” for the tournament and believes the absence of his greatest rival will make a big difference as he tries to win a record fifth straight Masters title.

“It’s a very tough thing for the tournament,” said Sinner. “Last year he didn’t play, so twice in a row is tough. And also Novak [Djokovic] is not here, it’s tough to swallow for the tournament. It is always different when Carlos and Novak are not in the draw. I would say [this situation is] unique because we have shared since last year a lot of tournaments.”

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