The rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz is still in its infancy, but these two players have already played some really epic matches and seem to have the right characteristics to become the new ATP tour reference in the next decade. The Spanish ace won the ATP 500 in Beijing beating the Italian at the end of a truly memorable final, perhaps the best match of the whole year together with the final of the Paris Olympics between Carlitos and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
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Jannik and Carlos were the two strongest players in the world this season, having split equally in the four Grand Slam tournaments played in 2024. Sinner won the Australian Open and the US Open, showing a regularity during the season that allowed him to be merited top of the ATP ranking with a large margin over all opponents.
The 21-year-old from Murcia - on the other hand - reached really high peaks, becoming the youngest ever to win the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships in the same year. The former world number 1 has also triumphed in the Indian Wells Masters 1000 for the second year in a row, but he also had periods of decline as he left early at the US Open after the Olympic disappointment.
What a battle
Alcaraz and Sinner will both play in the Shanghai Masters 1000 and could face each other in the semi-finals. The two young champions will debut on Saturday, so they wont have much time to rest after the tournament in Beijing.
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Brad Gilbert was delighted by the ATP 500 final in Beijing, which Carlos Alcaraz won over Jannik Sinner after a three-set battle lasting more than three hours. A game won by the Spanish tennis player in the decisive tie-break of the third set in which he was down 3-0 and then scored seven points in a row.
High quality match between the two players who in 2024 won all 4 Grand Slam tournaments: Jannik Sinner in Australia and New York, Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The rivalry of the next few years seems to have served and Brad Gilbert has analyzed the situation in a post on his X social profile that does not leave any room for doubt.
Brad Gilbert after the end of the match between Alcaraz and Sinner has published a post very clear: "After 20 years of great games by the three great - writes the former coach of Andre Agassi with a clear reference to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic without mentioning them - I didnt think it would be possible to have another fantastic rivalry like that between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner so soon". And Gilbert continues: "This is the gold standard in tennis, Alcaraz vs. Sin City - writes former coach Coco Gauff - lets prepare for the next 10 years with tons of these fantastic matches. We hope". Finally the final statement against WADA: "WADA, do not mess up".
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Two great champions
Some matches between Jannik and Carlitos have been the most spectacular in recent years. Fans will remember the epic 2022 US Open quarter-final, where the two champions created an unprecedented show. After his victory in Beijing, the World No.2 reflected on his week: He could have won in two, I could win in two, he could win in three. It was a really close match.
Jannik, once again, he showed that hes the best player in the world, at least for me. The level that hes playing, its unbelievable. Its a really high quality of tennis. Of shots, physically, mentally hes a beast. During the whole week Ive been playing great tennis. Probably sometimes the luck went to my side a little bit in the matches. But in general I feel great on court, I feel great off the court as well with my team. Its really important to feel like you are in a good mood all the time off the court, just try to show good tennis and be calm on the court. I think I couldnt ask for a better week here in Beijing and I will try to keep going.
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After the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, Sinner and Alcaraz will be among the protagonists of the 'Six Kings Slam' in Saudi Arabia. Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune will also be there. Their main goals are the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The hope is that this rivalry will continue in the coming years and that it will continue to give fans lots of emotions.
