Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have tremendous respect for each other, and this is evident after the 2024 China Open final.
Alcaraz and Sinner are two of the best players in the world right now. Their results and the type of seasons they’ve had show that. They split the four Grand Slams between them, with the Spanish player winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon, while the Italian won the Australian Open and the US Open.
They were also the top two seeds at the China Open, and both played superbly well to reach the final, which Alcaraz ultimately won. After the final, the Spaniard had some kind words for his young rivals, admitting that he respects him as a player, which was a very nice moment.
After all, this is the rivalry Novak Djokovic prominently picked as the one that will lead the sport forward, and seeing it be so healthy and respectful is certainly a positive sign.
They've already played quite a few classics, with their latest match in in Beijing being a superb match as well. They also practiced together earlier this year, so it's a relationship built on respect, and it was clearly evident from the way Alcaraz spoke about Sinner after the final.
"I’d like to start with Jannik. What can I say about you. The year you’re having is unbelievable. You deserve it.. with your team and the work you put every day. I’ve seen you working when I come to the club."
"You’re really really humble. That makes you an even better success. During your whole career and this year, I’d like to congratulate you and your team for great work and great tennis you’re playing."
"For me, even more important, you and the people around you are great people... I respect you a lot as a player but even more as a person."
Sinner has a very similar stance towards Alcaraz, as he, too, showed respect to his rival during his speech. Both are model professionals as well, with many comparing their rivalry to the one between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
"I’d like to start with Carlos and your team. You’re doing an amazing job. You have a great team and family behind you. Hopefully we can still play a couple more times in the future, which I’m quite sure. It’s always a big pleasure to share the court with you. Thank you so much."
Alcaraz hopes that their rivalry will become similarly iconic to the one between Federer and Nadal, as he also believes that a rivalry like that will likely draw people to the sport.