One of the youngest rivalries in tennis is that between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, with the Italian hoping to keep it going.
Sinner and Alcaraz are some of the best young players on the ATP Tour. Both are tremendous players with similar skill sets but also quite a bit of difference in their play. Their rivalry is built on respect and admiration for each other, in addition to them just being amazing tennis players.
According to Sinner's coach, Darren Cahill, we're going to see many more great matches in the future, which is something Novak Djokovic expects as well. He singled them out as players who will lead the next generation.
It's been a really fun rivalry for Sinner because he enjoys their matchups. Sometimes, it's Alcaraz who is better; other times, it's Sinner, and that's just what keeps it so interesting.
It's not one-sided; they can play on all surfaces, and Sinner just sees it as a great chance to see what he needs to improve upon, as he said ahead of the 2024 Miami Open.
"I enjoy it [the rivalry], hopefully it has just started. He has a lot of emotions, he shows a really good fighting spirit. Everyone is different, I am not showing so many emotions on the court, but it works as well for my side."
The most recent match happened in Indian Wells, where Alcaraz won. They played both in Indian Wells and Miami last year, so perhaps they play again this year. Sinner won their Miami Open matchup but stumbled in the final against Daniil Medvedev.
"I’m very happy always when I face him and it gives me a chance to see a new perspectives for what I have to work on. Last year I lost against him also in the semi-finals there. I just try to be ready and hopefully I can do also this year the same."