For some time now, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have defined their relationship in one way– rivalry on the court, great friendship off of it. But every time the New Two meet in an event’s final, trusting the latter becomes difficult. After losing 6-2, 6-4 to the Italian, the world No. 1 did not hide his feelings about how this friendship also hurts him.

“Not really,” the Spaniard responded when asked if he liked it when Sinner played like he did today. “Sometimes it seems like he’s playing ping pong. It’s not funny being on the other side of the net.”

Surely, fast courts are something that the Italian thrives on. And ANB Arena’s surface only helped him. Not to mention, his improved serve since his US Open loss to Alcaraz was the primary reason why Sinner swept the golden racket and $6 million prize on Saturday.

This win marks the Italian’s second against Alcaraz this year.

The last time Sinner played like this was at the Wimbledon final. He pushed the Spaniard to the edge, even frustrating him during the changeover. Then, Alcaraz realized that the Italian was playing better from the baseline.

In Riyadh, the case was similar.

Jannik Sinner started strong. He broke right away and held serve for a quick 2-0 lead. Alcaraz scored soon after but lost his momentum fast. Sinner held a love game, pressed again in the fifth game, and after Carlos netted a backhand, he surged to 4-1. He stayed dominant and closed the set 6-2.

Carlos Alcaraz tried to steady in the second set. He held serve and matched Sinner’s rhythm to reach 2-1. But at 2-2, he faced trouble, saving four break points. His resistance broke shortly after as Sinner broke again to lead 4-3. The Italian held serve to stay close, and although Alcaraz got to 4-5, Sinner sealed the match at the first chance.

“When Jannik is playing at this level, it is always difficult. Today he was just too good,” Alcaraz said during his on-court interview. “I always say when he plays such great tennis, it gives me motivation to go to the practice court, give 100% and try to be better. Sometimes he is annoying, but he gives me extra motivation.”

The two have always shared mutual respect and admiration for each other’s game. Earlier this year, Carlos made that clear while Sinner served his three-month ban from WADA. During that stretch, the Spaniard had a chance to close the ranking gap but still wanted the former world No. 1 around to help him push harder.

While Alcaraz was clear where his Italian friend and rival stood for him, the latter, too, reciprocated the same emotion.

Sinner speaks of his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has hit a whole new gear this season. Three Grand Slam finals, two Masters finals, and a string of thrillers have already carved their mark on tennis history, beginning with Alcaraz’s five-and-a-half-hour triumph at the French Open and continuing till the US Open, where he ended Sinner’s brilliant 65-week reign at No. 1. Now the Spaniard leads by 1,340 ranking points and holds a 10-5 edge head-to-head.

The Six Kings Slam might not count for points, but Sinner clearly cherished sharing that stage. After winning the exhibition’s final, when asked if he trains with Alcaraz in mind, his reply was immediate. “Not only maybe. You think a lot about that,” he said. “That’s exactly why you need Carlos and many other players… especially for me, this is Carlos. Because especially this season, we played many times… I lost many times against Carlos. It’s a huge pleasure and honor to share the court with him.”

Their friendship keeps growing even as their rivalry heats up. Alcaraz heads next to the Paris Masters starting October 25, while Sinner continues his run in Vienna. After that comes the Davis Cup and ATP Finals in Turin. That’s two more chances for these two to clash again. The question is, can Carlos stretch that head-to-head lead a little further?