World tennis has new protagonists, and two of them stand out not only for their talent, but for the rivalry and friendship they have forged over the years. Carlos Alcarazthe young Spanish prodigy, and Jannik Sinnerthe Italian tennis player who has established himself as world number 1 in 2024, are called to lead the racket sport in the next decade.
However, their relationship has gone from a close friendship to fierce competition on the courts, with moments of tension inside and outside the circuit due to the latest controversies that have been protagonists on the ATP circuit.
The first meeting between Alcaraz and Sinner took place in 2019, during the Alicante Challengerwhen both were just teenagers with a lot of potential but little experience in the professional circuit.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, at the Indian Wells 2024 Masters 1,000
Reuters
On that occasion, Alcaraz, who was only 16 years old, surprised the 18-year-old Italian with a victory in three sets (6-2, 3-6, 6-3). That match was just the beginning of a rivalry that would mark their careers for years to come.
Both players quickly began to stand out on the youth circuit, and their friendship grew as they trained together and shared tournaments. Throughout their early years, the statements of respect and admiration They were frequent among them, and everything indicated that their relationship would remain solid even when they reached the elite of world tennis.
The rise of two prodigies
The evolution of Alcaraz and Sinner has been parallel, but not without challenges. Carlos Alcarazwith an aggressive and versatile playing style, has conquered three Grand Slam titles y several Masters 1,000which allowed him to reach number 1 in the world in 2023.
For its part, Jannik Sinner has shown a consistency in his game that has led him to win his two first Grand Slams in 2024 and to occupy first place in the ATP ranking, consolidating his position as one of the most feared players on the circuit.
Carlos Alcaraz, after taking victory at Roland Garros 2024.
Gtres
Both are young, with playing styles that complement each other on the court but have generated intense clashes. Alcaraz has pointed out on several occasions that Sinner is one of the most difficult rivals he has faced.
In fact, ATP data reflects that the Spaniard has difficulties breaking the Italian’s serve, with a success rate on break balls that drops significantly from 42% to 28% when facing him.
The Sinner doping case
Despite the good relationship they had in their early years, a controversy marked a before and after in the friendship between Alcaraz and Sinner. In 2024, Sinner was accused of doping after a positive test for Clostebola prohibited substance.
However, the case was unsuccessful and the Italian was absolved of any sanction, but the repercussions within the circuit were significant.
During this period, Alcaraz did not show clear support for Sinnerwhich generated friction between the two. While other players supported the Italian, the Spaniard maintained ambiguous statements that raised doubts about his rival’s innocence.
This episode strained the relationship between the two tennis players, who until then had shown mutual admiration both on and off the courts.
Sinner celebrates his victory against Taylor at the US Open.
REUTERS.
The calendar conflict
The strain between Alcaraz y Sinner recently escalated with the issue of the schedules and calendar of the ATP circuit. Carlos Alcaraz publicly criticized the excessive load of matches in an increasingly longer season, commenting that “they are going to kill us” with so many tournaments.
“Many players agree with me, we have to do something about it,” Alcaraz said at a press conference, insisting on the idea that the current world tennis calendar has too many commitments.
These words were not well received by Sinner, who responded bluntly by stating that “each player is the master of his own destiny” and that it is not necessary to play all the tournaments.
This exchange of statements only fueled the rivalry. Alcaraz insisted that many players agree with his position and that something must be done about it.
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates a point against Tsitsipas.
REUTERS
“I’ve seen and heard a lot of players complain about the schedule. It’s too long, and we should talk to each other to do something about it“said the Italian to continue stating that “we, the players, can still choose what to play and what not to play.”
Meanwhile, Sinner remains firm in his position that players must be responsible for their own schedule and make appropriate choices for their physical well-being, avoiding joining the Spanish tennis player’s claim.
The battle for number 1
With Sinner currently ranked No. 1 in the world and Alcaraz ranked second in the ATP rankings, the competition between the two has reached its peak.
Each confrontation between them is a spectacle that attracts the attention of fans and experts, and they are already compared to the great rivalries of the past, such as that of Federer and Nadal.
The confrontations between Alcaraz and Sinner have been epic. They have already played in two Grand Slams and several important tournaments, with a record of four victories for each.
Their playing styles contrast and complement each other, which has led to intense and close matches. Sinner, with his powerful serve and his ability to remain calm in crucial moments, has been one of the few players capable of destabilizing Alcaraz.
Sinner, victim of Alcaraz: “This is going to hurt me for a long time”
Despite the current tensions, both Alcaraz and Sinner recognize the importance of their rivalry for the development of their careers. They both know that competition pushes them to be better and reach new heights in world tennis.
Alcaraz has expressed that Sinner is a reason to get up every day and continue working hard, while the Italian has commented that he hopes his rivalry with the Spaniard becomes something as legendary as that of Nadal and Federer.
What is clear is that world tennis has its future leaders in these two young prodigies. As they continue to accumulate titles and face each other on the most important courts in the world, the relationship between Alcaraz and Sinner will continue to be a central theme in the sport.
Although today there seems to be an “open war” between them, their rivalry promises to be one of the most exciting in the history of tennis, fueled by the admiration and respect that, despite everything, continues to exist between them.
