Carlos Alcaraz performs a 180 and comes clean on Jannik Sinner relationship

Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about his relationship with his fiercest rival, Jannik Sinner. The tennis superstars have dominated the majors over the past two years, winning the past seven Grand Slam titles between them while forming an enthralling rivalry.

Alcaraz holds an 8-5 lead in their head-to-head encounters, though Sinner recently staged a stunning comeback from a set behind to win during the Wimbledon final. Unlike some legendary rivalries such as the ‘Big Three’, where friendships developed much later, Alcaraz already believes he shares a bond with the world No. 1.

But that hasn’t always been the case, as the 22-year-old Spaniard previously stated they couldn't be "close friends," reports the Express. Following his first Grand Slam final defeat to Sinner at Wimbledon, Alcaraz remained gracious in defeat and praised the Italian, 23.

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“I have to congratulate Jannik once again. It is really well deserved and an unbelievable two weeks for you here in London. For your team as well.

"I know there are a lot of family and friends that flew out for you. I am really happy for you,” he told Sinner on Centre Court earlier this month.

The world No. 2 didn't hold back when talking up their rivalry either, later hinting that no other players on the circuit were matching the standard they brought to their nail-biting clashes. Beyond their on-court battles, Alcaraz has now also revealed that he enjoys conversations with Sinner away from tennis.

The five-time Grand Slam champion told Gazzetta: “Tennis is a unique sport that allows you to be great rivals on the court and, at the same time, maintain mutual respect.

“Sinner and I are good friends; we can talk about many things off the court. I have great respect for him; he's a great person; I'm sure we'll always be able to maintain this relationship.”

The Murcian’s comments come as somewhat of a surprise given his previous remarks claiming that they couldn’t be close. Following a victory over Sinner in a thrilling ATP 500 final in Beijing, Alcaraz said: “Once we are on tour, travelling, at tournaments, on site, we are with our teams and on our own, so we don't speak too much.

“But when we can, we talk a little bit besides tennis, about life. But not too much. It means we have a good relationship but we are not close friends. I think the respect we have puts us in a position that we have a really good relationship.”

Alcaraz also previously revealed that he did not reach out to Sinner while the Italian was serving a three-month ban earlier this year. Explaining his silence, Alcaraz admitted: “I didn't call him.

"I didn't talk to him in the three months. But it wasn't about if I agreed or not. I mean, I was playing. I was in my feelings, as well."

Yet, Alcaraz has maintained a good bond with Sinner since his comeback, and they have already faced each other on three occasions. The former won the Italian Open and the French Open finals, while Sinner came out on top in SW19.