Carlos Alcaraz has made sure he was one of the first to congratulate Jannik Sinner after his Australian Open win today.
The Italian became the youngest winner of the competition since Novak Djokovic in 2008, claiming his very first Grand Slam in emphatic fashion.
He came from two sets down to fell Daniil Medvedev in excruciating fashion, eventually winning 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
But what did Alcaraz have to say to his long-time friend, immediately following the match? Let’s take a closer look…
What Carlos Alcaraz said to Jannik Sinner
As one of tennis’ more well-documented friendships, given the obvious rivalry between the two, it is heartwarming to see the Spaniard wish him well straight after his win.
After all, these two are expected to be the future of tennis, at 20 and 22 years old respectively. They could well dominate for the next decade and a half.
It will be interesting to see how they balance their blossoming relationship with their regular on-court battles, but it seems the former has taken precedent with this message.
The 2023 Wimbledon champion wrote, just weeks after he had praised Alex de Minaur for defeating him: ‘I am so happy for you Jannik! You deserve it more than anyone! Enjoy the moment my friend!’
Although the meaning behind his claim is far more affectionate, Sinner certainly did deserve the win, having defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals and battled back to claim an unthinkable five-set win in the most pressurised situation.
The future of tennis…
Well, for Alcaraz and Sinner, that marks three Grand Slam titles between them already. This duo have already done what so many stars on tour have failed to do, surpassing the likes of Taylor Fritz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev in majors claimed.
Having broken through the mental barrier that winning a first elite title can incur, the sky truly is the limit for these two, who will surely be pictured alongside one another in many other finals.
Already the duo have faced off against each other seven times, with the Italian edging them with four wins.
However, every match between them promises fireworks, as a couple of energetic and all-action youngsters with thunderous forehands and an unrelenting work ethic.
And whilst every year there seems to be a new generation of talent sneaking through and planning to upset the status quo, only select few might actually make it to the top level. There are not many who prove to make any serious waves given just how set in stone the pinnacle of men’s tennis has been for so long.
But Sinner has now proven that the world number one is human, and that if anyone from his generation is set to dominate, it will be him alongside Alcaraz vying for titles.
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