“The kid is just too good. I can only congratulate him because he’s really playing amazing,” Stefanos Tsitsipas said after losing in the French Open quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz. Such has been the influence of the young Spaniard that he has gone on to receive plaudits even from his fellow players, apart from winning titles on the court. While his tennis skills require no description, Alcaraz is extremely humble on and off the court, something which has helped him maintain a great relationship with his rivals. The Spaniard shares a wonderful bond with fellow players like Tsitsipas and Jannik Sinner. The former even described why he considers Alcaraz to be a special talent.

Last week, Tsitsipas played alongside Alcaraz at the Laver Cup. The two helped Team Europe clinch the title after putting on wonderful performances. During an interview there, Tsitsipas opened up about how special Alcaraz was and his bonding with him. The Greek star revealed, “I’m observing Carlos. It’s like seeing him from that angle is so different to just watching him on TV or any other type of competition. I don’t really get to get so close and intimate with another high-tier player as him. He’s currently one of the best players in the world. Won two Grand Slam titles this year. And for me, he’s an example. I really want to follow in his footsteps.”

While Alcaraz won 3 and lost 1 match at the Laver Cup, Tsitsipas won his singles encounter but lost in the doubles with Casper Ruud. Alcaraz and Tsitsipas’ good bonding was also visible from the quality time the two spent together during the tournament. However, Tsitsipas isn’t the only opponent with whom Alcaraz has a good bond. Even Jannik Sinner talked highly about the special relationship he shares with Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner recounts his wonderful bond with Carlos Alcaraz

Both Sinner and Alcaraz are two of the greatest players in the men’s circuit currently. As a result, they share an intriguing rivalry, naturally. This is proved from their head-to-head record, which stands at 5-4 in favor of Alcaraz. Despite this close rivalry, the two players have mutual respect for each other and share a wonderful bond.

Earlier this year at an interview before the Miami Open, Sinner talked about his bond with Alcaraz, saying, “When we play against, it’s a very good matchup, we both try our best. We have a lot of respect for each other and, obviously, off the court we don’t speak that much because he has his own things and I have my things.”

Interestingly, Alcaraz and Sinner were the only Grand Slam winners this year in the men’s singles. While Sinner prevailed at the Australian Open and the US Open, Alcaraz won the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships. Indeed, their rivalry is the one that fans will cherish for years to come.