Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner‘s rivalry has the potential to be one of the best in tennis history. The Spaniard admits a different mindset is needed against Sinner because of how challenging he is to play.
Alcaraz and Sinner were the most impressive ATPplayers in 2024. Sinner became the fastest player since Novak Djokovic in 2015 to guarantee the year-end world No. 1 ranking during a season where he won the Australian Open and US Open.
Although the 21-year-old was not as consistent as his rival, 2024 was still the most successful of Alcaraz’s career. He secured a maiden French Open and retained his Wimbledon title by defeating Novak Djokovic in the final again.
Sinner and Alcaraz’s matches against each other tend to be epic. The most recent example (excluding an exhibition at the Six Kings Slam) was an epic three-hour battle in the China Open final. Alcaraz eventually outlasted his rival in a deciding set tiebreak.
Other memorable matches between the pair include five-set contests at the US Open and French Open won by Alcaraz and Sinner, overcoming the four-time Grand Slam champion at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
The contrast in styles between the two is part of what makes their rivalry so entertaining. Former US Open champion Andy Roddick recently commented that Alcaraz, known for being an entertainer, is not a machine like Sinner is.
Although they are competing against each other for the most significant prizes in tennis, the mutual respect between Sinner and Alcaraz off the court is clear. Although not close friends, they share a good relationship.
Alcaraz also has the utmost respect for Sinner’s abilities on the court. In a press conference before the Australian Open, the world No. 3 admitted his mindset changes against the Italian because a bad performance will almost uncertainly end in a loss.
“Yeah, a little bit. When I play against him I have a different mindset. When you face the best player in the world, you have to do something different. Different preparation, different mindset, or whatever.”
“When I face him I just know I have to play my best if I want to win. That’s it. If I have a bad day against Jannik, it’s 99% that you’re gonna lose. That’s what’s in my mind every time I’m gonna play him.”
The two-time Wimbledon champion also thinks Sinner’s presence is beneficial because it motivates him to work harder and be the best player possible to compete against the world No. 1.
“The good thing for me is when I see him winning titles, seeing him at the top of the rankings, it forces me to practice even harder every day. In practice I just think about the things I have to improve just to play against him. That’s great for me. Having him, having such a great rivalry so far… just giving the best of me every day.”
Hopefully, fans will be treated to more epic tussles between Alcaraz and Sinner in 2025. They have breathed new life into tennis after concerns about how the sport woule cope without Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.