Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been dominant over the past two years, winning the previous seven Grand Slam titles.
The last player other than Alcaraz or Sinner to win a major title was Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open, two years ago.
Since then, the world number one and two have been a class above their ATP Tour rivals, with Alcaraz winning three Grand Slams and Sinner winning four.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Never afraid to get ahead of themselves… some tennis fans are already predicting the pair to break the Grand Slam records set by the ‘big three’, of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
During his pre-tournament press conference, American star Frances Tiafoe was asked which of Alcaraz and Sinner he thinks will win the most major titles.
Frances Tiafoe predicts Carlos Alcaraz to win more Grand Slams than Jannik Sinner
The world number 17 said it was a ‘funny question’, but was happy to answer.
“It’s a funny question. I have been asked that so many times. It’s a funny question, because I’m playing in real time. Yeah, why don’t you have 20? You have 20? I’m sitting here with zero,” said Tiafoe.
“If I had to honestly do it, I’m taking Carlos [Alcaraz].
“I mean, all-court game. It’s very, very tight, but I’m still taking Carlos.”
Alcaraz currently leads Sinner 5-4 in the Grand Slam race, as the pair have won more titles than any active players other than Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner – Grand Slam count
Tiafoe is confident their spell of dominance won’t last forever, as he says the sport ‘needs something new’.
“As I first mentioned, they’re going to get interrupted. It just has to happen. I can’t see them playing the finals every week,” he said.
“We need something new. The game needs something new. I love those guys. Shout out to both those guys. We need something new.”
He also commented on the differences between the two players, which makes their rivalry so exciting.
“I really like how different they are. [Jannik] Sinner is ice cold. Carlos, I mean, has an unbelievable game, plays the crowd,” said Tiafoe.
“They’re both moving incredibly. One guy hits the ball super hard, and the other guy plays an all-court game.
“Yeah, they produce insane matches. It’s been fun to watch and fun to see those guys grow and continue to play at the highest level.”
The American does, however, believe players are making a mistake putting Alcaraz and Sinner on a ‘pedestal’, as he claims he can beat them.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images
“There’s always been guys, quote unquote, that are gatekeepers of the tour. Those are the two guys doing it,” said Tiafoe.
“But ultimately, if you want to win one [a Grand Slam], you’ve got to beat those guys. Because it is what it is. Respect those guys. Incredible players. So young. They’re going to be at the top of the game for a while.
“We can’t be out there just putting them on a pedestal. We have to beat them if you want to do anything special.
“I have a ton of respect for those guys, but at the same time, if we link up in the draw, I feel I can beat them.”
That’s certainly a bold statement to make, but has Tiafoe ever beaten Alcaraz or Sinner?
Frances Tiafoe’s head-to-head record against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
In total, Tiafoe has played eight matches against the pair and holds victories over both Alcaraz and Sinner.
Frances Tiafoe v Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 Wimbledon 3R – Carlos Alcaraz defeated Frances Tiafoe, 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2
- 2022 US Open SF – Carlos Alcaraz defeated Frances Tiafoe, 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-7, 6-3
- 2021 Barcelona Open 1R – Frances Tiafoe defeated Carlos Alcaraz, 6-4, 7-6
Frances Tiafoe v Jannik Sinner
- 2024 Cincinnati Open F – Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe, 7-6, 6-2
- 2023 Vienna Open QF – Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe, 6-3, 6-4
- 2021 Vienna Open SF – Frances Tiafoe defeated Jannik Sinner, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2
- 2019 Next Gen Finals RR – Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe, 3-4, 4-2, 4-2, 4-2
- 2019 Antwerp QF – Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
However, he hasn’t beaten either player since 2021, something that may well concern him heading into the US Open.
Tiafoe has played his best tennis at the US Open during his career and will surely be hoping to make another deep run in 2025.
The 17th seed will begin his US Open campaign on Monday, August 25, against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka.