Tim Henman thinks Carlos Alcaraz's hamstring injury absolutely impacted the world No. 1 during an ATP Finals title match loss to Jannik Sinner as the former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist believes the Spaniard would have probably extended certain rallies if not for a leg issue that hampered him.
Right out the gate, Alcaraz and Sinner engaged in a tight battle, and the Spaniard led 5-4 through the opening nine games. But then, during a changeover, the Spanish tennis star required a medical timeout for a right hamstring issue. When the play continued, the world No. 1 missed out on a set point in the 12th game before losing the first-set tie-break with a 4-7 scoreline.
After the first set went without breaks on either side, Alcaraz claimed one at the start of the second set and went 2-0 up. Unfortunately for the six-time Grand Slam champion, he failed to capitalize on it as Sinner stormed back with breaks in the sixth and 12th games to overturn the second-set deficit and complete a 7-6 (4) 7-5 win.
Henman: The leg issue had a part to play in Alcaraz's defeat to Sinner
If Im honest, I do think the leg issue had a part to play. Alcaraz changed his style of play and looked to be much more aggressive coming forward, which he is capable of doing but I think he would have liked to extend the rallies (if not injured)," Henman said on Sky Sports Tennis.
The first set, he had his opportunities and Sinner was able to respond. It was a fascinating tiebreak with four or five drop shots all of a sudden. I think the crowd lifted Sinner, but I love Alcaraz afterwards with a smile on his face and a great perspective. The gap is wide between these two and the rest.
After the loss, Alcaraz acknowledged that he "felt something in my hamstring," but refused to blame it for his defeat by saying that it "did not affect me much."
Sinner now has two ATP Finals titles in his collection, while Alcaraz remains without a title at the season-ending tournament.
