Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner defying Federer and Nadal problem | Tennis | Sport
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have shown a different approach to their tennis rivalry than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ever did in their prime. The two young stars are constantly jostling to be world No. 1, having dominated the sport in recent years.
Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last eight Grand Slam titles, splitting four titles apiece. Their budding rivalry was heightened this year after facing each other in the last three major finals, with Sinner winning Wimbledon and Alcaraz claiming the French and US Open titles. However, there appears to be no bad blood between the pair. Instead, the sport’s two leading players seem to have struck up a close friendship away from the court.
Following Sinner’s recent victory at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, which saw the two rivals meet in the final of the six-man tournament, Alcaraz congratulated his opponent on his two-set victory. On Instagram, Sinner had posted: “What a week. Loved playing here, incredible atmosphere, and always a pleasure to share the court with you, @carlitosalcarazz.”
Refusing to take his defeat to heart, Alcaraz replied: “Too good Jannik! Next time gol, skiing and karting hehe.” To which Sinner responded: “Let’s do it. Always a pleasure my friend.”
The concept of being friends with a rival is distinctly different from how tennis legends Federer and Nadal viewed their relationship. The duo faced each other on 40 occasions, with Nadal leading their head-to-head 24-16, including six wins in nine Grand Slam finals. In August 2023, Federer explained his feelings towards Nadal during his playing days.
“We started respecting the rivalry,” he admitted. “We almost miss it, playing each other every weekend. Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other probably for that.
“He’s a great man. I wish he can come back one more time, but he has shown the tennis world and the fans how good he is.”
To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or tennis newsletter
Federer paid a heartfelt tribute to Nadal after the Spaniard retired from the sport last year. However, there appears to have been only a slight shift in the former rivals’ relationship during their retirements. In 2024, Nadal insisted that he was still not friends with Federer.
“I wouldn’t consider him a friend,” Nadal told El Objetivo de La Sexta. “But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship.”
Meanwhile, Alcaraz will likely be keeping a close eye on how Sinner performs in the Paris Masters final on Sunday. Alcaraz suffered an early exit to Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie at the tournament, while Sinner faces Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime for the title.
The Paris Masters is an opportunity for Sinner to add yet another title to his name. Following his Six Kings Slam victory, Sinner defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the Vienna Open final last weekend.
