Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the two outstanding young players on the ATP Tour, but Novak Djokovic's former coach, Nikola Pilic, thinks the Spaniard possesses the greater talent.
Both men have enjoyed outstanding seasons so far. Sinner began 2024 by winning his first major title at the Australian Open, coming from two sets down to overcome Daniil Medvedev in the final.
The Italian secured the Miami Open title in March against Grigor Dimitrov in the final. He also became the world No.1 after the French Open, a ranking he still holds despite his unsuccessful Canadian Open defense last week.
Despite his positive year overall, Sinner had to deal with the disappointment of missing the Olympics due to being ill with bronchitis. He then struggled physically during his Canadian Open loss to Andrey Rublev.
Sinner played his first match of the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday. He defeated Alex Michelsen in straight sets but was not 100% in that match. Hopefully, he will be ready for his next contest on Friday.
Alcaraz's last few months have been incredible. The 21-year-old claimed his first French Open title, beating Sinner in the semifinal and Alexander Zverev in the final. Both matches went to five sets, but Alcaraz had the mental fortitude to prevail.
The Spaniard won his second Wimbledon title a few weeks later. Unlike last year's epic final against Djokovic, Alcaraz swept the Serbian aside quickly in three sets. It was the most one-sided Grand Slam final of Djokovic's career.
However, the 24-time major champion got his revenge at the Olympics. Djokovic defeated Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 to secure a gold medal, the only achievement he had been missing from his illustrious career.
Alcaraz and Sinner have shown how good they are this year, but Pilic, who coached Djokovic as a young player at his academy, does not put them on the same footing. He thinks Alcaraz is more talented than his Italian rival.
“Carlos is a very mature talent, the most mature of his generation. I also have a lot of sympathy for Jannik Sinner, but for me Carlos is simply the greater talent. He is very active and plays incredible tennis."
These are interesting comments by Pilic. Many fans would agree that Alcaraz has proven he is more talented. His incredible shot-making and all-court game are unique and have made him a fan favorite worldwide.
However, others might think it is too early to make that judgment. Both players are still so young, and many ATP and WTA players develop more than others in the latter stages of their careers.
Alcaraz's recent comments may support Pilic's assertion. The Spaniard feels he has been winning many matches in 2024 without playing his best tennis. Alcaraz's winning the French Open and Wimbledon without producing his best level is remarkable.
Fans can continue to debate who the more talented player is. Something far less debatable is that Alcaraz and Sinner's rise to the top of men's tennis has been tremendous for the sport. Due to their presence, tennis will be in a good place for years to come.