"We push each other to the limits" - Jannik Sinner credits rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz for making him want to improve post-China Open final loss

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz went toe-to-toe for three sets in an epic China Open final on Wednesday. The Spaniard eventually prevailed 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3).

The match, which was the 10th instalment of the duo’s burgeoning rivalry, had fans at the central showcourt in Beijing enthralled as the two upped their level with each passing game.

Speaking to the media during the post-match press conference, Sinner credited his rivalry with Alcaraz to pushing him to improve his skills. He said all his encounters with the Spaniard have been memorable.

The World No. 1 conceded that he and Alcaraz keep pushing themselves and each other to bring out their best whenever they meet on court. Even the China Open final against Alcaraz, he said, had showed him a few parts of his game that can use some improvement.

"Yeah, I feel like it's always great when we meet, no? We try to push ourself and each other to the limits," Jannik Sinner said. "He for me is a point of where I work. Also today I saw couple things where I need to get better. It's not only him, there are also other players."

Heaping further praise on his opponent, Sinner said:

"It's always nice to share the court with him. I feel like also the fans, they like it. Usually the matches are quite long, they're physical, there are many turning points."

"Yeah, as I said, it's always nice. Feel privileged and honored to share the court with him," he added.

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"We both tried to win" - Jannik Sinner on epic three-set China Open final against Carlos Alcaraz

Sinner in action during the China Open final against Carlos Alcaraz (Source: Getty)

Reflecting on the China Open final, Jannik Sinner said both he and Carlos Alcaraz tried their best to win the match and focussed on winning each point.

When players on both sides of the net give their 100%, the World No. 1 said it makes for a really engaging match.

"As I said, we both tried to win. We tried to concentrate on every point. Having a great attitude on the court, that makes it happen that it's a very interesting match always," Jannik Sinner said at the same press conference.

The China Open title was Alcaraz’s fourth of the season (including two Grand Slams at the French Open and Wimbledon). Sinner, meanwhile, has six trophies to his name, including the season’s other two Grand Slams -- the Australian Open and the US Open.