Alcaraz vs Sinner: The Epic Rivalry Defining New Tennis

Alcaraz vs. Sinner: A Legendary Rivalry in the World of Tennis

After five hours and 29 minutes of an epic encounter, Carlos Alcaraz collapsed on the court after connecting a winning forehand shot. Seconds later, he got up to embrace Jannik Sinner, showing mutual admiration after an unforgettable final. Alcaraz was crowned champion of the French Open, staging a historic comeback that included saving three championship points in the fourth set. The victory, with a score of 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2), marked the second-longest final in the Open era and the most extensive at Roland Garros.

“It’s one of the best matches of all time, easily,” declared John McEnroe at the end of the match.

John McEnroe

For two decades, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer dominated tennis, winning 66 Grand Slam titles. With the retirement of Federer and Nadal, and the decline of Djokovic, the question of who would take their place arose. Sinner and Alcaraz positioned themselves as the successors. The match in the French Open final was the first in a Grand Slam between the two, marking the beginning of a new era. Together, they have won the last six major titles, solidifying their rivalry. This duo is expected to dominate tennis for the next decade.

“Every match I play against him is important. It’s the first Grand Slam final. Hopefully it won’t be the last. Every time we face each other, we raise our level,” said Alcaraz after the final.

Carlos Alcaraz

The rivalry began from Alcaraz’s first professional match, when at 15, he defeated Sinner, 17, in a Challenger event. The potential of both players became evident, and each encounter became a must-see event. Their clashes on the ATP circuit became iconic. Sinner, with his strategy and precise shots, and Alcaraz, with his versatility and spectacle, offered electrifying tennis. Their first match on the circuit was at the Paris Masters 2021, with Alcaraz winning. Then, they faced each other at Wimbledon, with Sinner winning, and at the Croatia Open, where Sinner won the title. In the 2022 US Open, in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz won after five hours and 15 minutes. Alcaraz’s victory was a turning point, solidifying his status. Chris Fowler, who narrated the match, called it “an instant classic.” Laura Robson added: “I want to see the next 10 years of matches between Sinner and Alcaraz.” Alcaraz won the US Open and reached number 1 in the world. Sinner progressed steadily, reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals. Alcaraz won six titles in 2023, including Wimbledon. Sinner achieved four titles, and in their three matches that season, Sinner won two. In 2024, Sinner won the Australian Open, and Alcaraz the French Open and defended his title at Wimbledon.

“Every time we play, we push ourselves to the limit. We hate losing, especially against each other. We have a good relationship off the court, but on the court you feel a bit of nervousness,” said Sinner.

Jannik Sinner

Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the circuit. Sinner won the Australian Open in 2024, and Alcaraz won the French Open. Sinner regained the number 1 spot in June. Daniil Medvedev commented: “Before it was Rafa, Roger, Novak. Now, it’s Carlos and Jannik.”

In 2025, Sinner defended his title at the Australian Open. Alcaraz has won several major titles, including the Monte Carlo Masters. Alcaraz defeated Sinner in the final of the Italian Masters, and a Grand Slam final match was expected. Djokovic acknowledged the importance of their first encounter in a Slam final.

“They are great for tennis. Their rivalry is something the sport needs. I’m sure we’ll see them lift big trophies often,” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic

Amelie Mauresmo, director of the French Open, highlighted the excitement of their rivalry. Alcaraz reached the final with an advantage in the history, but Sinner was not intimidated. Sinner won the first two sets, but Alcaraz forced a fourth set. In the fifth set, Alcaraz led 5-3, but Sinner responded. In the tiebreaker, Alcaraz dominated, securing the victory.

“I can’t think of a better Roland Garros final,” McEnroe commented.

John McEnroe

Nadal called the match a “great battle.” Sinner remains the world number 1, with Alcaraz close behind. Alcaraz has five Grand Slam titles and Sinner three. Sinner was cautious when comparing their rivalry to that of the “Big Three.”

“It takes time to compare us to the ‘Big Three’. Time will tell. He makes me a better player. We push each other to the limit,” said Sinner.

Jannik Sinner