Boris Becker and Toni Nadal discussed who they believe has the upper hand in the duel between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. While Nadal maintained that Alcaraz was superior to Sinner, Becker believes it is too soon to determine which player will dominate tennis.
The two top young ATP players, Sinner and Alcaraz, have distinguished themselves from their competitors in the same age group this season. The two are the only men to win a Grand Slam title who were born after the year 2000; Daniil Medvedev, at age 28, is the next-youngest Major winner.
Tennis veteran Becker offered his thoughts on Sinner and Alcaraz’s rivalry during a speech given before the ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca.
Becker expressed his thoughts about both young players and said: “It is impossible to say which of the two players will dominate tennis in the years to come. From a young age, at 22 and 21, they both had pressure. If we compare them with Roger Federer, [Rafael] Nadal and Novak Djokovic, [they have] to play for another 15 years. Maybe then we can know who is better in five years as they evolve and new players and rivals emerge.”
Toni said: “Alcaraz is better, he does more things on the court than Sinner. I see Alcaraz with more options to do more things. Sinner has a lot of control, although Alcaraz is a little better mentally. Both are equally strong on all surfaces as the game has become more consistent.”
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently the world no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 20th of June when he surrendered to world no.29 Jack Draper 7-6(3) 6-3 in the 2nd round in London (draw).
This season Alcaraz has achieved a 26-6 record. Carlos clinched 2 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells and French Open.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
Now ranked no.1, the Italian played his last match on the 23rd of June when he overcame world no.7 Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8) 7-6(2) in the final in Halle to win his 15th career title.
Presently, during this year Sinner has a compiled 38-3 record. Jannik has won 4 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami and Halle.
Sinner will play next at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of July.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played each other 10 times. Their actual head to head record is 6-4 for Alcaraz. Previously, the last time they competed against each other, Carlos Alcaraz won 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal in Paris (French Open) on the 7th of June 2024.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.