Jannik Sinner, the newly crowned world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, offered a candid admission about his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting that the Spaniard’s technical skills surpass his own. While Sinner and Alcaraz have shared a sensational 2024 season, splitting the Grand Slam titles between them, the Italian acknowledges he has room for growth in matching Alcaraz’s versatility on the court.
“Alcaraz and I are two very different players,” Sinner told La Stampa. “I keep the pace very high, I’m mentally strong. He is physically strong and tennis-wise he has something more at the moment. He plays slice and volleys better, but for me, it’s positive. It means I have room to improve.”
The 23-year-old Italian has enjoyed a breakthrough year, claiming victories at the Australian Open and US Open and solidifying his position as the world’s top player after the French Open. Alcaraz, meanwhile, secured the French Open and Wimbledon titles, establishing the pair as the next big rivalry in tennis. Despite Sinner’s impressive consistency that’s kept him firmly in the No. 1 spot, he has no illusions about Alcaraz’s technical prowess.
The dynamic between these two young champions has become a highlight of the ATP Tour, with all four of their encounters in 2024 going to deciding sets. Their showdown in the China Open final, where Alcaraz emerged victorious after over three hours, epitomized the intensity and shot-making of their rivalry.
Sinner further emphasized Alcaraz’s completeness, saying, “Carlos is outstanding on the court… drop shots, passing shots, lobs, great volleys. I don’t know if I’ll ever be like that. As a tennis player, I’m solid, and when needed, I can hit the winner. We both bring out the best in the important points.”
Drawing comparisons between Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, Sinner pointed to his rival’s energetic and crowd-pleasing style, contrasting it with his own calm, composed demeanor. “Carlos is similar to Nadal; he presses from the first point and runs a lot. He knows how to turn on the crowd. I am calmer, colder, but I can get hot too. Sometimes it’s good to get nervous and yell at the team, to step out of the box for a moment and then get back into it. You can do it if you have people you trust around you.”
Alcaraz’s comprehensive game, complete with a variety of shots, certainly gives him an edge, as Sinner acknowledges. Yet, Sinner’s mental resilience and consistency this season have pushed him to the top, underscoring the mental fortitude he has developed to stay ahead of his rival.
With both players pushing each other to new heights, this rivalry is poised to define the next era of men’s tennis, and as Sinner put it, their differences on the court only add to the thrill. For fans, it’s clear: this is just the beginning of a showdown that will shape the future of the sport.
