The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be renewed in the 2024 Six Kings Slam final on Saturday, and Alcaraz believes the Italian is the best player in the world.
Sinner became the world No. 1 after the French Open, overtaking Novak Djokovic. He had an outstanding start to the season, including winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open by beating Daniil Medvedev in the final.
The Italian has retained his place at the top of the rankings ever since. Securing the US Open title and last week's Shanghai Masters after beating Djokovic in the final helped him create a huge lead at the top of the rankings.
Sinner's year has undoubtedly been the most impressive on the ATP Tour, and almost all players have struggled against him. For example, Djokovic's loss to the Italian in the Six Kings Slam semifinal was his third against him this season.
Alcaraz is the only man who has found a way to beat Sinner consistently in 2024. The four-time Grand Slam defeated him in five sets at the French Open and in the deciding sets of the Miami Open and China Open.
Their China Open final was an especially outstanding match. After over three hours of exceptional tennis from both men, Alcaraz outlasted Sinner to triumph 6-7, 6-4, 7-6.
Other epic matches the two have played against each other include their 2022 US Open quarterfinal, widely considered one of the greatest contests ever played at Flushing Meadows.
Some feel Alcaraz vs. Sinner could be the next rivalry to match Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal's rivalries against each other, but Nadal says the pair do not need to be compared to those three legends.
Despite having a 3-0 record against Sinner this year, Alcaraz said after his semifinal win against Nadal that the world No. 1 is the best player in the world and that overcoming him in the Six Kings Slam will be a big challenge.
"Well he’s the best player in the world right now. At least for me. Playing him is a really big challenge. Seeing the year he’s having, it’s amazing. Not many losses. It’s gonna be a tough challenge for me."
"I’ve played really good battles, tough ones. I expect a really difficult and good match. I think the people will enjoy it. I’ll try my best to beat him and win the tournament. Let’s see on Saturday. It’s not gonna be easy."
Although Alcaraz has won all their matches so far in 2024, they were incredibly tight battles. The China Open final especially could have gone either way and Sinner showed how high his level is throughout that match.
It will be interesting to observe whether the intensity of the Six Kings Slam final is the same as their previous matches since it is an exhibition event. They are usually played in a more relaxed atmosphere.
However, the financial rewards on offer might push both men to give it everything. Whichever player wins the Six Kings Slam title will receive the largest paycheck in tennis history.