The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is likely to monopolize men’s tennis for the next 10 to 15 years. Their numbers are already incredible, considering that the Spaniard is 21 years old and the Italian is 23. The 21-year-old from Murcia has already put four Grand Slam titles in his trophy cabinet – including two Wimbledon and a Roland Garros – and five Masters 1000, as well as being world number 1 for more than 30 weeks.
The young Spaniard’s peaks are truly impressive and no one can counter him when he plays his best tennis. Carlitos is perhaps the most spectacular player fans can admire right now, as his full game is full of truly spectacular solutions.
Sinner – on the other hand – does not have the same peaks as his great rival, but his consistency during the season is really unparalleled. Jannik has won more than 90% of the matches played this year, suffering only six losses, an exceptional regularity that has allowed him to build a very large gap compared to all his rivals. In addition, the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria came very close to Alcaraz in the title rankings. The world No. 1 has won two Grand Slam titles and four Masters 1000 titles. The Italian champion also has the chance to win the ATP Finals, having qualified for the semifinals.
Niland praises Alcaraz
Fans have been divided regarding the duopoly between Alcaraz and Sinner. Some prefer the magical and spectacular game of the Spanish ace, while others love the regularity of the Italian.
In a recent interview with ‘Tennis365’, former player Conor Niland expressed his point of view on this amazing rivalry: “I still like Alcaraz a little more than Sinner. I feel like he has a slightly deeper level of talent than Sinner, but they are not far off.
What’s great about Sinner is there is never any drama around him on the tennis court. Of course, the whole drug test scenario has come up in the last few months, but he is very calm on court.”
He also added: ”Then you look at Alcaraz and what he has achieved at such a young age is just amazing.
I didn’t think would be able to go back-to-back and win the French Open and Wimbledon. Then to back it up with an incredible final against a true legend like Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics, it was an incredible summer for Alcaraz.
There was a natural fall-off at the US Open and he is still out there playing Davis Cup and ATP Finals, but we need to remember how old this guy is and what he has done when he does lose the odd match.”
Last effort
The 4-time Grand Slam champion’s run at the ATP Finals ended very early, also due to his precarious health conditions. The world number 3 arrived in Turin with symptoms of a flu virus, which affected him a lot during the tournament. Carlitos was defeated by Casper Ruud on his debut, he defeated Andrey Rublev in his second match, but had to surrender to German ace Sascha Zverev yesterday.
The former world No. 1 has already arrived in Malaga for the Davis Cup Finals, where he will try to help 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal win the last title of his legendary career. Carlitos has always had great admiration for his illustrious compatriot, with whom he was able to play doubles at the Paris Olympics this summer.
Nadal and Alcaraz© @voguemagazine X account
Alcaraz’s contribution was fundamental to allow Spain to qualify for the Davis Cup Finals. The 21-year-old from Murcia played the Davis Cup in Valencia in September just after the end of the US Open, in which he had achieved a disastrous result. Later, the 4-time Grand Slam champion confessed that the atmosphere of the Davis Cup helped him regain his certainties for the last part of the season.
The young Spaniard is ready for the last event of the season: “It’s the Davis Cup, it is a tournament that I really want to win one day, when I was a kid I dreamed of winning the Davis Cup for Spain.
This year we have a really special chance to win it. I will try to help the team win the Davis Cup for me, but most importantly for Rafa, for his last tournament.
I really want him to retire with a title, so it’s going to be really emotional and a special tournament for me.”
The Davis Cup Finals will take place from November 19th to 24th in Malaga. Spain will be the first team to make its debut against the Netherlands, who have very dangerous players in indoor conditions.