After Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz split the Grand Slams this season, John McEnroe referred to Sinner’s victory at the US Open as an official changing of the guard.

Alcaraz Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open were won by Sinner. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2017 and Novak Djokovic and Nadal in 2019 are the only other male players in history to have split the majors.

McEnroe said on ESPN: “It’s an official changing of the guard. When was the last time none of the Big Three won a Grand Slam? (It was 2002). But I do think it will open the minds of other players to think they have a shot at it as well. These guys (Sinner and Alcaraz) can’t possibly—can they?—dominate like the Big Three have. Alexander Zverev is No. 2 in the world after this tournament. Those guys who have been bypassed, you would think it would increase the hunger to finally get over the hump and win one.”

At 23 and 21, respectively, Sinner and Alcaraz appear destined to attempt to win the majority of Slams over the next few years, but Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and maybe one of the American groups led by beaten finalist Taylor Fritz will themselves into this challenge.

Jannik Sinner in 2024

At the moment ranked no.1, the Italian played his last match on the 8^th of September when he defeated world no.7 Taylor Fritz 6-3 6-4 7-5 in the final of the U.S. Open to win his 17^th career title.

During this season the Italian achieved a 55-5 match record. Jannik conquered 6 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.

Sinner will compete next in Beijing (China Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 23rd of September.