Tennis legend gives two reasons Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner rivalry is similar to Federer-Nadal

Ewan West
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Indian Wells 2024
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shake hands in Indian Wells

Mats Wilander has analysed why the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be “so great” and highlighted two ways it is similar to the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry. 

The seven-time Grand Slam champion pointed to the “contrast of style” between Alcaraz and Sinner and the fact the pair share a positive relationship.

As the two leading young stars in the men’s game, Alcaraz and Sinner are expected to form the next great tennis rivalry, and they already share a fascinating competition.

The duo have contested eight matches, with the head-to-head split at 4-4 after Alcaraz won their most recent encounter in three sets in the semi-finals in Indian Wells last week.

Alcaraz and Sinner are currently ranked second and third in the world respectively and could face off in the final of the Miami Open, where they are the top two seeds in the absence of world No 1 Novak Djokovic.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner may face long wait for their first match at Miami Open

Speaking to Eurosport, former world No 1 Wilander assessed why the developing rivalry is comparable to that shared by Federer and Nadal.

“I think this is what’s going to make this rivalry so great. This is what made Federer and Nadal’s rivalry so great,” the Swede said.

“Contrast of style first of all, it seemed like after a while, Federer and Nadal, of course, they care more than anything in the world at the moment who’s winning the match, but before, no, didn’t matter. Afterwards, not that much.

“Of course, the guy that won has to play another match normally, and Sinner-Alcaraz is the same. So I think what we’re seeing is one of the main reasons why both of them are going to play great tennis: because they’re so relaxed and they are only worried about each other’s games.

“There is no mentality situation where the other guy doesn’t like the other guy or the other guy is trying to slow things down or be unsportsmanlike – that doesn’t exist between them.

“Therefore, they will always love this rivalry as long as they keep winning one each. I think this rivalry is going to get better and better and they’re going to enjoy it more and more.”

Alcaraz is a two-time Grand Slam champion, having won his maiden major at the 2022 US Open, before adding the 2023 Wimbledon crown in July.  The 20-year-old Spaniard will play compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena in his first match in Miami.

Sinner, who won his first major at the 2024 Australian Open, will face fellow Italian Andrea Vavassori in his first match at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

READ MORE: Tennis great makes Carlos Alcaraz pressure claim and highlights way the Spaniard can improve

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