Carlos Alcaraz emerged as the most significant challenger to Jannik Sinner’s dominance on the ATP Tour in 2024. Despite Sinner’s historic season, the 21-year-old Spaniard managed to secure a 3-0 record against the world No. 1, alongside claiming titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Their rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling storylines in tennis, one that Alcaraz humorously acknowledged during a roundtable interview before the Garden Cup exhibition in New York City.
When asked if he jokes about his undefeated record against Sinner, Alcaraz chuckled and admitted, “I joke with my friends,” adding, “I can’t lie.” His candor and charm brought levity to the event, showcasing his relaxed demeanor off the court.
Reflecting on his 2024 season, Alcaraz described the bittersweet conclusion at the Davis Cup Finals, where he won his singles match but fell in doubles alongside Marcel Granollers, eliminating Spain in the quarterfinals. The loss also marked the end of Rafael Nadal’s storied career. To reset, Alcaraz took a break from tennis, including a trip to Punta Cana, before turning his focus to the upcoming Australian Open, where he aims to dethrone defending champion Sinner. Also read: Italy to host Davis Cup Final 8 from 2025
Their contrasting styles—Sinner’s calculated efficiency versus Alcaraz’s flair and improvisation—add a unique dynamic to their rivalry. According to Tennis Channel analyst Paul Annacone, “Alcaraz’s ceiling is a little bit higher” due to his versatility and creativity, although Sinner’s steadiness makes him equally formidable.
The pair’s epic encounters, such as Alcaraz’s thrilling three-set victory in Beijing, underline the intensity and appeal of their matches. Alcaraz, who leads their head-to-head 6-4, believes these clashes bring new fans to the sport. “The matches we’ve played have been special, pretty close, intense ones—five sets, three sets. I think those matches help a lot for the tennis industry to, you know, catch more people towards tennis.”
Heading into 2025, Alcaraz has bolstered his team by adding coach Samuel Lopez, complementing Juan Carlos Ferrero’s guidance. Alcaraz noted his growing independence in decision-making, saying, “When I was 16, I had nothing to say. Now, I’m doing more things by myself.” Also read: Tomas Machac tops Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai Quarterfinals
With their rivalry poised to reignite in Melbourne, Alcaraz vs. Sinner promises to be a defining saga for the sport, captivating fans worldwide and shaping the future of men’s tennis.