Friendly rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz look set to dominate men’s tennis. Is it time to call them the ‘Big Two?’

In the world of tennis, rivalries often define the sport, capturing the imagination of fans and adding drama to the game. From the legendary battles between Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors in the 1980s to the modern-day duels of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the sport has always thrived on fierce competition. Now, as the “Big Three” start to fade into retirement, a new rivalry is blossoming between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. At just 21 and 23 years old, respectively, the pair are already establishing themselves as the future of men’s tennis—and many are wondering if it’s time to anoint them the “Big Two.”

When Federer officially retired in 2022, concerns about the future of men’s tennis grew. The sport had just lost its most iconic figures, and the question loomed: Who would fill the void left by the dominance of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic? Fast forward to 2024, and Sinner and Alcaraz have quickly reassured tennis fans that the sport will continue to flourish.

Both players have already made their mark. Sinner, ranked No. 1, captured his first two Grand Slam titles in 2024 at the Australian and US Opens, while Alcaraz, currently No. 3, claimed victory at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The pair also dominated the Masters 1000 tournaments, winning four of the nine events. Given their rapid rise, it’s easy to see why some are eager to declare them the new kings of men’s tennis.

However, both players remain humble, stressing that it’s still too early to compare their success to the sustained dominance of the sport’s previous titans. Alcaraz, who made history as the youngest ever World No. 1 after winning the 2022 US Open, spoke to CNN Sport about the comparisons. “If people look at the results from the last couple of years, they might think we’re the next top two players in the game. But honestly, I don’t think about it that way,” said the Spaniard. “For the past 20 years, it was the Big Three who dominated, but now, the field is wide open. Anyone can win a major at any time.”

Sinner echoed his rival’s sentiments. “The Big Three and Andy Murray have been around for 15-20 years, consistently making it to the semifinals. I’ve only had one season like that,” said the Italian. “It’s not comparable at all.”

Still, despite their modest remarks, both Sinner and Alcaraz have already etched their names in tennis history. Sinner made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first Italian player to reach World No. 1, while Alcaraz, just 19 when he won the 2022 US Open, made history as the youngest player to ever claim the top spot.

A Rivalry Built on Respect

While their rivalry is growing in intensity, it’s their respect for each other that has captured the attention of fans. Their on-court meetings, often intense and high-quality affairs, have delivered some of the most thrilling matches in recent memory. Notable encounters include their five-set classics at the 2022 US Open and the 2024 French Open, both of which Alcaraz won. Currently, Alcaraz holds a narrow 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head.

Off the court, the two share a growing friendship. After a thrilling match in the China Open final, which Alcaraz won, the pair even shared a private jet to their next tournament in Shanghai. Their first meeting came in 2019, when Alcaraz was making his professional debut. The two faced off in a Challenger event, where Sinner lost but was immediately impressed by the young Spaniard’s talent.

Sinner recalled, “I saw the draw and said, ‘Carlos Alcaraz, I have no idea who he is!’ After the match, we went to the same locker room and started talking. I wanted to get to know him better because even back then, he was such an amazing talent.”

Contrasting Styles: ‘Fire and Ice’

On court, their contrasting personalities add another layer of intrigue to their rivalry. Alcaraz is known for his fiery demeanor, often pumping up the crowd and celebrating his points with passion. His style has earned comparisons to his compatriot, Nadal. In contrast, Sinner is more reserved, exuding a calm, Federer-like presence on the court. Sinner’s composure is something Alcaraz admires and hopes to adopt in his own game.

“He’s very solid,” said Alcaraz of Sinner. “No matter what happens on the court, he keeps his cool, and it doesn’t affect him. If you don’t see the score, it always seems like he’s winning.”

Sinner laughed at the compliment. “I wish it was that way!” he said, acknowledging the differences in their approaches.

Off the court, both share a passion for soccer, with Alcaraz supporting Real Madrid and Sinner rooting for AC Milan. Their similarities to other sports’ rising stars, like footballers Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, have sparked talk of them being the “future of tennis.”

The Road Ahead

As they both compete for their first ATP Finals title in Turin, the question remains: Will Sinner and Alcaraz be the new faces of men’s tennis for years to come? With their early dominance and natural rivalry, it’s hard to deny that they are on the verge of becoming the sport’s next big duo.

While it may still be too early to label them the “Big Two,” there’s no doubt that Sinner and Alcaraz will define the next era of tennis. Time will tell how long their rivalry will last and how much further they can push the limits of the game. But if their current trajectory is any indication, the future of men’s tennis looks to be in good hands.