Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s rivalry is already one for the history books, having met 14 times on the ATP Tour.
The ATP world number one and two took their rivalry to another level in 2025, as they began contesting Grand Slam finals against each other.
In Paris, Alcaraz saved championship points to beat Sinner in the Roland Garros final, 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Getting his revenge at SW19, Sinner defeated Alcaraz in four sets to clinch his maiden Wimbledon title.
Many are predicting the pair to face off once more in the US Open final next month, as they look to continue their streak of Grand Slam dominance.
Speaking to the media just days before the tournament begins, Sinner explained why Alcaraz is so difficult to beat and highlighted what sets him apart from other ATP Tour stars.
Jannik Sinner says Carlos Alcaraz reaches balls that other ATP Tour stars can’t
During his pre-tournament press conference, Sinner shared his thoughts on his rivalry with Alcaraz.
“Well, we are two different players, you know. I think he is obviously very fast on court,” he said.
“So, you know, with maybe other players, the point could be over at times, but he reaches certain balls, so he can read the game in a different way.
“They are already these longer rallies sometimes.
“Obviously, we know each other now better. It’s a very tactical game. He prepares the match in a different way than he used to prepare it. Me and my team, we do the same.”
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sinner and Alcaraz have become very familiar with one another over recent times, playing 14 matches in four years.
It’s Alcaraz who’s had the better of their rivalry so far, winning nine matches to Sinner’s six, and winning six of the last seven.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record
Knowing that he and Alcaraz are ‘different’ players, Sinner will be confident of turning the tide before too long.
“We have different styles, you know, game styles, but also how we are on the court and off the court. We are just different, you know,” said Sinner.
“But at the same time, it’s great to see, because it makes it very interesting. The only thing we have in common is that we practice very hard (smiling). We make choices for tennis, you know.
“It’s now our first priority at the moment, which it has to be, because it’s very small, small details make the difference. So it’s interesting to see.”
Only time will tell if Sinner can start to pick up wins over Alcaraz on a more regular basis, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
Sinner isn’t just concerned about Alcaraz, however, as he is more than aware of the challenges other players could provide over the next few years.
‘If we don’t improve, players will catch us’ – Jannik Sinner
Sinner and Alcaraz have been dominant at the Grand Slams since the beginning of the 2024 season, sharing the previous seven majors between themselves.
- 2024 Australian Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2024 French Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 Wimbledon – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 US Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 Australian Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 French Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2025 Wimbledon – Jannik Sinner
While some fans are predicting a lengthy spell of dominance for the pair, Sinner isn’t quite so confident.
“If we don’t continue to improve, players will catch us. It’s just a question of time,” he said.
“So we or what I am trying to do is to understand what I can work on. Then we have certain areas of the game, certainly, where we can work on. From my point of view, that’s positive. It only makes me a better tennis player, and in the future.
“At the moment, me and Carlos, we are sharing big trophies, but at the same time, things can change.
“There are great, great players out there, and to get to the final, it’s very difficult to get there, you know.
“So let’s see if this continues. But on the other hand, I always say we have to improve, because players understand us now, how we are. So let’s see in the future.”
In search of his fifth Grand Slam title, Sinner will begin his US Open campaign against Czechia’s Vit Kopriva on Monday, August 25.