Rick Macci, a former coach of Serena Williams, has strong opinions about Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Macci is noteworthy for his ability to observe players critically, even though he has a strong understanding of the game and typically has a positive outlook. However, Macci believes Alcaraz’s serve has a serious flaw.
Right now, it seems like Sinner is the player on the rise. Since winning Wimbledon in July of last year, Alcaraz has not been the winner of a tournament. Since then, Sinner has won four tournaments, including his first Grand Slam in the Australian Open final against Daniil Medvedev.
There isn’t a single major defect in either player. Both players have exceptional court mobility and can hit balls quickly from any spot on the court. They both have excellent touches as well, but Alcaraz’s is extraordinary and might be the best tennis anyone has ever seen.
Macci recently posted on X: “Biomechanically, Alcaraz checks most boxes. But the racquet leaks 25 percent too soon into the back. The shoulder setup is microscopically off, creating less natural fluidity and not delivering the optimal head speed.”
He wrote in another post: “This year will set the table in many ways for @Janniksin, as now he is the Chosen One but the Number One quality I see inside and out of an Italian flame thrower is Number One.”
Asked about the First Serve of @carlosalcaraz as others have been critical. Biomechanically he checks most boxes. But the racquet Leaks 25% too soon into the back. Shoulder set up is microscopically off creating less natural fluidity and not delivering the optimal head speed.
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) February 7, 2024
This year will set the table in many ways for @Janniksin as now he is the Chosen One but the Number One quality I see inside and out of Italian flame thrower is Number One.
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) February 7, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 24th of January when he was overcome by world no.6 Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-3 6-7(2) 6-4 in the quarter of the Australian Open (draw).
This year Alcaraz achieved a 4-1 match record.
Alcaraz will compete next in Buenos Aires (Argentina Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of February.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Now the world no.4 (career-high), the Italian played his last match on the 28th of January when he defeated world no.3 Daniil Medvedev 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open to win his 12th career title.
Currently, during this season Sinner achieved an overall 7-0 win-loss record. This year, Jannik conquered 1 tournament at the Australian Open.
Sinner is scheduled to compete next in Rotterdam (ABN AMRO Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of February.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner fought against each other 8 times. Their actual record is 4-4. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Jannik Sinner won 7-6(4) 6-1 in the semifinal in Beijing (China Open) in October 2023.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.