Kim Clijsters shares her thoughts on the dynamic between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Over the years, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have developed a close bond while competing at the top of men’s tennis.

After Sinner beat Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final, Alcaraz even stayed behind to watch him celebrate with a dive into the pool.

What sets their rivalry apart is how different their relationship looks off the court compared to how fierce it is when they play each other.

Kim Clijsters has now given her view on how their friendship works within such a competitive environment.

Kim Clijsters points to mutual respect between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Speaking on a recent episode of ‘Love All’, Clijsters offered her take on the dynamic between Alcaraz and Sinner.

“Definitely, people even talk to me about it,” she said.

“‘It’s kind of weird to see a rivalry where you feel like they are really good friends and there is so much respect for each other.’

Clijsters pointed out that unlike many famous rivalries, where tension often runs high off the court, Alcaraz and Sinner seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

She highlighted one example: “Like [Carlos] Alcaraz actually stayed and watched the winner, the guy that just beat him before jumping off the diving board.”

She acknowledged that not everyone views their friendship as a positive. “Some people like that they have that, and then there are people who want the rivalry.”

Kim Clijsters highlights potential distractions for Carlos Alcaraz

Clijsters went on to say that she thinks Alcaraz is reaching an important point in his career, one that could define the next few years.