Carlos Alcaraz has warned Jannik Sinner that he'll be ready for more contests with his nemesis in the future after losing the ATP Finals in Turin on Sunday night.
The Spaniard had gone into the showdown hoping to defeat Sinner and claim one of tennis' biggest titles.
That didn't happen, however, with his Italian rival producing a sublime performance to reign supreme with a 7-6, 7-5 victory.
Alcaraz, speaking immediately afterwards, said he was pleased with his display despite his failure to come out on top.
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But he also warned Sinner that he'll be ready for more matches between the pair in the future, too.
The 22-year-old, who will now set his sights on a first Australian Open crown when that tournament commences in January, stated: “I'm really, really happy with the level that I played today, with the performance.
"I just played against someone that has not lost a match in an indoor court since two years from now, so that means, you know, how great a player you are.
Carlos Alcaraz's Grand Slam titles so far
|GETTY/PA
Carlos Alcaraz was unable to cope with Jannik Sinner in Sunday's ATP Finals showdown
|REUTERS
“With your team, putting in great work every time, coming back really strong, even stronger after every loss.
"You don't have many, but, after every loss you come back stronger, so, well deserved final, well deserved.
“I want to say it is a great year for you. It's time to rest, hope you're gonna be ready for next year because I will be ready for more finals against you!
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"So well-deserved year and a well-deserved trophy.”
As for Sinner, the 24-year-old showed class by hailing Alcaraz.
“Carlos, amazing season, amazing what you're doing. Well-deserved for the No 1," he said.
"We haven't spoken yet, but I'm extremely happy if it's another player than me, I always choose you, so you're really the player I look up to for a lot of motivation.
“I need this, you know, [to have] every practice session with a with a big, big purpose and we are all very happy, the whole fans here are very happy to see you play.
"You are the most energetic player on tour. Also, best of luck, best of luck with that after a well-deserved rest, for you too and hope to see you again next year with hopefully, great, great battles ahead of us.”
Jannik Sinner will go into the Australian Open as the favourite following his ATP Finals victory over Carlos Alcaraz
|REUTERS
Now, both players will prepare for the Australian Open.
It is the only major that has escaped Alcaraz, with the tennis star securing two triumphs at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open over the course of his career.
Sinner will, however, go into the competition as the favourite.
He has won the last two titles Down Under, establishing himself as the man to beat in the process.