“I don’t want love-ins on the court” : Andy Murray’s former coach doesn’t want Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to get too friendly
Andy Murray’s former coach Mark Petchey has stated that he does not want Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to get too friendly with each other. The duo have developed a great rivalry over the past couple of seasons, and have won two Grand Slams each this year.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have already played some entertaining battles, which also includes their five set battle at the French Open this year. Apart from their rivalry on the court, the duo share a great bond with each other. They are often heard praising each other at press conferences, as they are pretty good friends off court as well.
Mark Petchey wants the relationship between the two players to remain a little tense, which would add a lot of spice to their battles on court. He likens this with the rivalry between the likes of John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl back in the 80s.
“Don’t want it (Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner) to be too friendly. I don’t want love-ins on the court. I want it to mean something. You want to feel like when they walk out there that it’s all on the line. You go back to Lendl-Mac, Lendl-Connors, I love that era,” Petchey said to the Tennis Channel.
“I hope that we our rivalry is going to be or almost that the Big 3 had during the whole career” : Carlos Alcaraz
Earlier at the 2024 Laver Cup, Carlos Alcaraz stated that he hopes his rivalry with Jannik Sinner becomes as fierce as the Big Three had during their times. “Well, a lot of people talk about it. I like hearing it, I’m not gonna lie. I hope so. I hope that we our rivalry is going to be or almost that the Big 3 had during the whole career,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
The Spaniard also stated that the duo share a great relationship off court, and they deeply respect each other. He hopes that both of them keep competing for major ATP titles, and Masters tournaments.
Both players are currently involved in competing at the China Open, as Jannik Sinner is scheduled to face Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals on Monday. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to face Tallon Griekspoor in the last 16 clash on Sunday. The two players could face each other in the finale, which will be taking place on Wednesday.
