2024 has sanctioned some unequivocal verdicts. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz would be the two gamers to beat within the subsequent 10-15 years, except some younger expertise matches into their rivalry and begins successful Grand Slam titles.
The Italian ace received the Australian Open and US Open this 12 months, proving that he has a psychological energy that’s actually superb for a participant of simply 23 years outdated. The world #1 additionally received three Masters 1000 (Miami, Cincinnati and Shanghai), two ATP 500 (Rotterdam and Halle), the ATP Finals in Turin with out shedding a single set and dragged Italy to the second consecutive triumph on the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga (with the basic assist of his compatriot Matteo Berrettini).
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria has achieved these sensational outcomes regardless of the doping case that hit him in March, which didn’t forestall him from persevering with to play however precipitated him nice stress (the results of which had been seen particularly between spring and summer time).
Sinner© Stream screenshot
Jannik made no secret that his largest remorse in 2024 was Wimbledon, by which he stopped towards Daniil Medvedev within the quarterfinals. As a result of stress associated to the doping case, Sinner had an sickness the day earlier than that match and even considered retiring throughout the battle towards the Russian ace.
Alcaraz – then again – grew to become the youngest ever to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the identical 12 months, however he didn’t have the identical regularity as Jannik throughout the season. The 21-year-old from Murcia additionally received the Indian Wells Masters 1000 for the second 12 months in a row and the Beijing ATP 500, not forgetting the silver medal on the Paris Olympics. As well as, the present world quantity 3 has defeated Sinner 3 times in as many clashes in 2024, proving that he has the best peaks to have the ability to make historical past of this sport.
A untimely comparability
Some followers and insiders declare that Jannik and Carlitos have an opportunity to interrupt the information of the Huge 3, which marked an virtually unrepeatable period that lasted about 20 years.
Alcaraz© Stream screenshot
In a protracted interview with ‘Exame’, former ATP ace Guga Kuerten expressed his opinion on this comparability: “It is always difficult to make comparisons between generations, but tennis today is at an impressive level.
Sinner and Alcaraz have shown tennis of the highest quality, with a combination of power, speed and technique that is truly remarkable. In a way, they are taking the game to new heights.
However, it is important to remember that Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have dominated the sport for almost two decades, which is unprecedented. Not only have they won an incredible number of titles, but they have also constantly raised the level of their game and adapted over time.
What we can say is that Sinner and Alcaraz have the potential to form a historic rivalry. They have already shared all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2024, which is a remarkable feat. But it is still too early to compare them directly to the Big Three.”
The rivalry continues
The rivalry between these two superb gamers will proceed in 2025, beginning with the Australian Open. The Italian champion has a major benefit over all opponents within the ATP rating and is already sure to stay #1 on this planet even after the Glad Slam.
Nonetheless, Jannik is ready to know his destiny relating to the doping case. The trial earlier than the CAS in Lausanne doesn’t have a sure date for the second, however ought to happen in March. The two-time Grand Slam champion dangers a ban of 1 to 2 years.
Regardless of this controversy, Sinner received the ATP Followers’ Favourite Award in 2024. On the most recent version of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, former American ace John Isner confessed that he was very shocked: “I am a little bit surprised.
Because you know he was, it wasn’t of course his personality but his 2024 was a bit polarizing because I know some stuff went with him and went on with that positive test that he was cleared of.
So a lot of people were, you know, not fans of that – Nick Kyrgios being one of them. So I thought maybe that could’ve hurt him a little bit in this as far as fan favorite goes but it didn’t, and kudos to him.”
Alcaraz and Sinner© Stream screenshot
Sinner and Alcaraz are each getting ready for subsequent season. The Italian is practising in Dubai, whereas the Spanish ace is coaching within the Academy of his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Each won’t take part in any official match earlier than the 2025 Australian Open, however will play a few exhibition matches at Melbourne Park within the week main as much as the Glad Slam.
