Sinner "Better" at Scheduling: Greg Rusedski Offers Candid Advice to Carlos Alcaraz Following First Defeat of 2026

Greg Rusedski explains why Jannik Sinner has a scheduling advantage over Carlos Alcaraz following the world No. 1's first defeat of the 2026 season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 6:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Historic Start and the Weight of No. 1

Carlos Alcaraz entered the 2026 season by making history, becoming the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam after his triumph at the Australian Open. This milestone, followed by a title in Qatar, solidified his position at the top of the ATP rankings. However, the physical and mental toll of maintaining that status appeared to surface at Indian Wells. Following a semi-final exit, the 22-year-old Spaniard admitted to feeling jaded, noting the difficulty of constantly playing with a "target on his back." Alcaraz emphasized a shift in mindset, focusing on playing for his team and personal goals rather than the external pressure to win every match.

The Scheduling Debate: Alcaraz vs. Sinner

The contrast in early-season strategies between the world’s top two players has become a focal point for analysts. While Alcaraz participated in high-profile exhibition events, such as one in Korea, Jannik Sinner opted for more rest. Greg Rusedski, speaking on his podcast, highlighted this as a key area where Sinner currently holds an advantage. Rusedski noted that finding the balance between "overplaying and underplaying" is crucial, suggesting that Sinner plans his calendar with more precision to ensure peak performance at Masters 1000 events.

No Crisis Despite Indian Wells Setback

Despite the semi-final loss, Rusedski was quick to dismiss any talk of a crisis for Alcaraz. The Spaniard’s start to 2026 remains the best of his career, and reaching the final four at Indian Wells is still considered a "tremendous week." Under the guidance of coach Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz has displayed a level of dominance that has kept him well clear of his competitors for much of the first quarter. Rusedski believes the focus now shifts to how Alcaraz recharges mentally for Miami, where he will look to disrupt Sinner’s momentum.