Unsurprisingly, given how intrinsically linked their young careers have already been, it took no time for attention to swiftly turn from Jannik Sinner’s US Open triumph to comparing him with Carlos Alcaraz.
These are the two shining lights of men’s tennis at the moment after all, having already started to assert their dominance over a chasing pack that is mostly their seniors.
As the Big Three wane in influence, they have only grown, and it is a testament to their talents that all four Grand Slam titles throughout 2024 were shared between them.
Too good for the rest, the Sky Sports Tennis team all gathered after last night’s US Open final to discuss who of the duo might manage to achieve more out of the sport.
Martina Navratilova makes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner prediction
Naturally, Carlos Alcaraz would be the favourable answer, given he is two years younger than Jannik Sinner yet already has two more Grand Slam titles.
However, it’s worth noting that the Italian’s form has been unstoppable all through this year, with only really injuries preventing him from competing for even more honours.
So, with that in mind, it’s likely a far closer race than some are suggesting.
Martina Navratilova acted as the voice of wisdom on this particular occasion, as she started with Sinner: ‘I think double digits. And the same for Alcaraz. And we’ll see if they stay healthy. Of course, that’s always the wild card. And maybe more.’
Feliciano Lopez went for a far more specific prediction, stating: ‘I think double digits as well, both of them. I’m going to say 12 for Sinner.’
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are writing their own history
Although they may not be completely aligned in their progression, honours won or age, it’s already quite clear that Alcaraz and Sinner will be the two dominant forces in men’s tennis for at least the next decade.
After all, already they have surpassed the likes of Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and more with the brand of tennis that the sport has craved.
With Roger Federer retiring and Rafael Nadal’s body slowing down, a glaring vacancy has opened up in the men’s game.
This young duo have already been more than happy to fill it.
In fact, it’s worth noting the history these two have already written, with Alcaraz’s four Grand Slam titles more than any of the Big Three had managed at his age.
Meanwhile, Sinner’s US Open triumph made him the fourth man since 1988 to win in both New York and Melbourne in the same year, and he was far younger than Djokovic, Federer and Mats Wilander when he accomplished this feat.
These two are already at the top, and there is seemingly no stopping them.
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