Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged at the perfect time for men’s tennis, just when the greatest three-way rivalry in the sport’s history was vanishing.
With Roger Federer having left the sport in 2022, and Rafael Nadal announcing his retirement earlier this month, only Novak Djokovic is set to be left standing come 2025.
And even he has seen his powers wane somewhat, enduring a tough year where he is actually yet to win an ATP title.
Still an elite-level player, it feels like any success he earns will be dictated by the continued form and fitness of Sinner and Alcaraz. This pair have already started what is set to be a historic rivalry for tennis.
Carlos Alcaraz on what he hopes for his and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry
Speaking after his loss in the Six Kings Slam final, in which the Spaniard also failed to claim the historic $6m prize, he remained magnanimous in defeat.
And, surprisingly so, the 21-year-old even admitted that he was glad to have a rival as relentlessly tough as Jannik Sinner, despite this latest setback.
He revealed: ‘Well I hope so. I will practice and try as hard as I can. I’m sure Jannik is gonna be there. I’ll try to do my best every day during the years.
‘Hopefully it makes this rivalry better and better over the years. I want to say I’m grateful to have him around on tour. Thanks to him I push myself to the limit. I give my 100% every day to be a better player.
‘It’s a pleasure every time I share the court with him. Sometimes it’s tough to find the joy. But it’s great every time I face him.’
Nadal has predicted big things for Alcaraz and Sinner, and remains sure that the future of the sport is safe with them a part of it.
Jannik Sinner wins the Six Kings Slam
Having battled through fixtures against Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner certainly had to work for his paycheque.
However, it was certainly one worth grinding for, with the Six Kings Slam prize money the highest in the history of the sport.
The money that Saudi Arabia and other similar countries can offer to tennis and other sports is often too much to deny, with golf, football, boxing and more all transitioning into a more global, accepting brand that welcomes such unlimited funding.
Casper Ruud spoke about Sportswashing with remarkable eloquence, when asked about the competition, and as long as progression is made he thinks it’s worth getting involved.
However, Sinner will feel like the biggest beneficiary of all at the moment, as a man who has just become $6m richer overnight.
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