Is the Jannik Sinner And Carlos Alcaraz Rivalry The Next Draw In Tennis?
Sparks fly whenever they meet. The court has a new rivalry that will keep tennis fans on the edge of their seats
It was telling that after his recent triumph at the US Open final, Carlos Alcaraz turned to Jannik Sinner with an honest admission during his on-court interview.
“I have to start with Jannik,” said Alcaraz, as the Arthur Ashe Stadium fell into a collective hush. “It’s unbelievable what you are doing during the whole season. Great levels during every tournament you are playing. I’m seeing you more than my family… Jesus.” The crowd laughed and roared in approval. “So, it’s great to share the court, the locker rooms, everything with you… watching you improve every day, working really hard with your team.”
Ah, rivals. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.
Tennis has stood witness to many great rivalries down the years. Björn Borg, with ice in his veins, against the fiery John McEnroe. The quiet and reserved Pete Sampras versus the flamboyant Andre Agassi. The graceful Roger Federer versus the unrelenting power of Rafael Nadal. The flexibility and mental toughness of Novak Djokovic against the likes of Federer and Nadal. We have seen it all.
Since 2019, as the big three modern greats—Federer, Nadal and Djokovic—have slowly waned, the world of tennis has been crying out loud for an ace rivalry. Give us the storylines. Give us the headlines. Give us sides to pick. Give us the on-] court drama that makes this sport different than everything else out there. As the 2025 season gathers pace, one truth is undeniable: men’s tennis has found its next great duel. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—world No. 1 and 2—stand front and centre, defining the game’s present and shaping its future.
The record books lean slightly in favour of the Spaniard. Since their round of 32 clash at the 2021 Paris Masters, the two have faced off 15 times, with Alcaraz leading Sinner 10–5. In Grand Slam finals, Alcaraz holds a 2–1 edge. But this year, Sinner finally got the better of him in a hard-fought Wimbledon final. They have tested each other across all surfaces: from the green grass of Wimbledon to the clay court at Roland Garros. And yet, every time they meet on the tennis court, there’s a charge in the air, a frizz of excitement you can almost hear.
Like any true rivalry, this is also a clash of personalities. Sinner is the quieter of the two. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has never hidden his preference for disconnecting and partying in Ibiza, usually after the French Open. While his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero did not take lightly to the idea, Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, has certainly earned his vacations.
Despite their varied interests, the one common thread is their insistence on spending enough time with the people they love when they are not playing. Speaking to Esquire Australia last year about how becoming a champion changes things, Sinner said: “You face a lot more pressure. But I really believe that there is no money that can replace being healthy and living your life surrounded by people you love.”
Their rivalry goes beyond style or personality; it’s the collision of two very different athletic journeys, each having turned professional in 2018. Originally a champion skier in Italy, Sinner started playing tennis at age 7. His gangly and elegant frame and stock of red hair is a contrasting look from anything that has graced tennis courts in recent years. An aggressive backliner, Sinner is renowned for his powerful two-handed backhand groundstroke. He is remarkably calm on the playing surface.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, is like a raging Spanish bull that refuses to accept defeat. While he has publicly expressed his dismay at being compared to Nadal or even being dubbed a successor because of their Spanish roots, it’s hard to miss the athletic similarities.
At his best, Alcaraz covers the ground like a young Nadal. His footspeed and ability to return first serves are reminiscent of the former Spanish star. Alcaraz also has an impressive net-game, with the deft—and often disguised—drop shot slowly becoming a trademark of his. The next Grand Slam, where we see yet another clash of these two different individuals, cannot come soon enough.
Nadal and Federer faced each other for 15 years, gifting fans unforgettable finals and moments that rekindled our love for tennis. Djokovic, still a formidable force, is gradually winding down his incredible career, leaving the stage open for Alcaraz, 22, and Sinner, 24, to carry the torch of tennis’ great rivalries. It promises to be a riveting story.