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Carlos Alcaraz won't be in action at this year's Madrid Open after picking up a wrist injury in Barcelona, but the Spanish fans will still have someone to root for in his biggest rival, Jannik Sinner. The world No. 1 is back at the Caja Magica for the first time since he was forced to withdraw mid-tournament with a hip injury in 2024.

Although Sinner and Alcaraz have formed a fierce rivalry, with the Italian winning their latest battle in the Monte Carlo Masters final to leapfrog Alcaraz in the rankings, Sinner believes his off-court friendship with Alcaraz actually helps him with the Spanish crowd.

The four-time Grand Slam champion doesn't have lots of experience competing in the Spanish capital. His best result here was a quarter-final a couple of years ago before his aforementioned withdrawal. But Sinner still feels he has a special connection with the crowd, partly thanks to Alcaraz.

"I think people and fans, they are very passionate here, and I think this is something that is important for us players to see, and when we see a good connection with the crowd, it makes it very special to play in," the world No. 1 said ahead of the tournament.

"And I do believe that I have a good relationship with Spain, you know, also because of Carlos, we have a good friendship, also off the court, and I think people can also recognise this, in a nice and positive way. I'm very excited to get out there and see how it is."

As the top seed, Sinner received a bye directly into the second round, where he faces Benjamin Bonzi. The 24-year-old has not lost a match since March and is looking to become the first man to win five straight Masters 1000 titles after winning the Paris Masters at the end of 2025, and then lifting three straight trophies this year in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

But the world No. 1 knows it won't be easy to adjust to the altitude in Madrid. "I think here is very unique playing style. It's altitude and it can be windy at times, so it's very difficult to play," he explained.

"But I think every clay court, every different kind of clay court can help me in trying to improve as a player and here definitely might be one of the most challenging ones, because of certain things and depending also against who you play, you have to adapt yourself. So let's see, but I never played very well here."

Sinner is the heavy favourite to lift the trophy in the absence of both Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. The world No. 1 also cast doubts over his participation in Madrid after winning the Monte Carlo Masters, and said he would have to make a decision on playing. But he's here and feeling "quite good".

The Italian added: "Let's see how I'm gonna feel, but the plan is obviously to play and trying to perform in the best possible way, but yeah, we take it day by day. I know in my mind that the most important is Roland Garros. We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there. But I'm here trying to do my best, and then we'll see how it goes."

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