STEPHANIE LIVAUDAIS: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz split the four Grand Slams and traded the ATP’s world No. 1 ranking between them in 2024. It will be an impressive feat if either can maintain the same level in the upcoming season, but 21-year-old Alcaraz appears better poised for success. The Spaniard has plenty of room to grow, especially mentally, and the tactical improvements to his game, namely his serve, leave him with a bigger upside.
Meanwhile Sinner has already taken his own game to stratospheric levels in 2024, and even expert coaches are struggling to find any aspect that needs improving. (Sinner himself says he wants to be “more unpredictable” on court.) But the tennis he’s playing seems to already be pushing him to his physical limits, as amid a dominant season Sinner’s chronic hip injury has often been cause for worry. And all this as the Italian’s doping case remains under appeal heading into the new season, with the possibility of a longer ban looming.
If Alcaraz can manage his calendar to avoid burnout and target consistency, I think he could find the extra gear to stay in front in their exciting rivalry.
