Jannik Sinner has ignited a storm of controversy in the tennis world after publicly accusing Carlos Alcaraz’s media team of deliberately spreading false information about his physical condition in the lead-up to the 2025 US Open final. The Italian star, who was defeated by Alcaraz in straight sets, suggested that the misinformation campaign disrupted his mental preparation and placed him under unnecessary pressure before one of the most important matches of his career.

Speaking to reporters in an exclusive interview after the match, Sinner didn’t hold back. “That’s also a form of cheating,” he said firmly. “When you spread lies about an opponent’s condition to manipulate the narrative, it’s not just gamesmanship — it crosses the line.” His comments immediately lit up social media, with fans and analysts debating whether this was a genuine breach of fair play or simply post-match frustration.

According to Sinner, rumors began circulating in the days before the final that he had been struggling with a lingering injury and that his training sessions had been cut short due to pain. These stories, which appeared on multiple tennis blogs and social media accounts, reportedly originated from sources close to Alcaraz’s camp. Sinner claims that while none of these rumors were true, the constant questions from the press and speculation online created a psychological burden. “Every interview I did before the match started with, ‘How’s your injury?’ I didn’t have an injury. But after hearing it 20 times, it’s hard not to think about it,” he explained.

The allegations have shocked the tennis community, in part because of the usually respectful dynamic between top-level players. While mind games are not unheard of in professional sports, directly targeting a player’s physical readiness is seen by many as crossing an ethical boundary. Former players have weighed in, with some defending Sinner’s right to speak out and others warning that making accusations without clear evidence could damage reputations.

Carlos Alcaraz has yet to respond directly to Sinner’s claims, but members of his media team have denied any involvement in spreading false information. In a brief statement, they called the accusations “completely unfounded and deeply disappointing,” emphasizing that their focus during the tournament had been solely on preparing Alcaraz for the final.

The incident has quickly evolved into one of the most talked-about off-court dramas of the tennis season. Fans are sharply divided: some argue that Sinner is simply looking for excuses after a tough loss, while others believe his account exposes a deeper issue of media manipulation in sports. On Twitter, hashtags such as #SinnerSpeaks and #TennisMindGames began trending within hours of his interview.

Sports psychologists have noted that mental distractions before a high-stakes match can have a tangible impact on performance. “Elite athletes train their bodies and minds to handle pressure, but when you add a false injury narrative into the mix, it can chip away at focus and confidence,” one expert explained.

Whether or not Sinner’s accusations will lead to formal action remains unclear. The ATP has not announced any investigation, but insiders suggest that if evidence surfaces linking Alcaraz’s camp to the rumors, the matter could escalate quickly.

For now, Sinner says he is moving forward but stands by his statements. “I can handle losing if I’m beaten fair and square,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s fair when the fight begins before the match even starts.”

As the tour moves on to its next major events, the shadow of this controversy will likely follow both players. And while the battle on the court is over, the fight for the truth off the court has only just begun.