“Extraordinary players,” Simone Vagnozzi weighs in on the Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry ahead of the Italian’s return to the ATP tour

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz met each other thrice on the ATP tour last year, with the Spaniard winning all three matches.

“Extraordinary players,” Simone Vagnozzi weighs in on the Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz rivalry ahead of the Italian’s return to the ATP tour

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Simone Vagnozzi (inset) (via X)

Jannik Sinner‘s coach, Simone Vagnozzi, is excited about the rivalry between the Italian and Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the World No. 1’s return to tennis. Sinner is set to be back on the ATP Tour on May 4 as his three-month suspension due to a doping scandal comes to an end.

Vagnozzi believes that Sinner and Alcaraz bring excitement to the ATP Tour. However, he says their greatness will ultimately be judged by the titles they win. He refused to make any predictions, stating that comparisons between them should be made only after their careers are over.

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Who is stronger, Alcaraz or Sinner? We’ll know when their careers are over and we’ll count the titles they’ve won. They’re extraordinary players, but it depends on the surface, the weather on the day, the time they take to the court.

Simone Vagnozzi said in an interview to Sky Sports Italy

Both players are currently the top two in the ATP Rankings. Alcaraz recently climbed to No. 2 after winning the Monte Carlo title. Meanwhile, Sinner has held the No. 1 spot since June last year when he reached the semifinals at Roland Garros. He is also the current holder of the Australian Open and US Open titles.

Jannik Sinner returns to training with Jack Draper

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is almost done with his three-month break from tennis. He is set to return on May 5. Fans are excited to see him back on the court soon.

Jack Draper Jannik Sinner
Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner (via Instagram/ Jannik Sinner)

Sinner has already started training again. He’s been practicing with Jack Draper in France. The two have had sessions on the clay courts at Beaulieu’s Tennis Club in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Unlike many players who look tired at this point in the season, Sinner looks fresh. He’s been seen sliding on clay and hitting strong shots, including his smooth backhand and powerful forehand.

Draper recently lost early in Monte-Carlo and traveled a short distance to train in Beaulieu. He plans to play in the Madrid Open next. Sinner, meanwhile, will return at the Italian Open on May 7.

Carlos Alcaraz hopes to deny Arthur Fils once again

The new stars of men’s tennis are rising fast, and Carlos Alcaraz is leading the way. On Saturday, he will face Arthur Fils again in a big match. These two young players are quickly building a strong rivalry.

Carlos Alcaraz (3)
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

They first met at the Monte Carlo Masters in a close match. Alcaraz won, but Fils made it tough. It was a sign that their battles could become a regular highlight on the tour. Now, they meet once more in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open. Fils moved into the final four after Tsitsipas withdrew early in their match. This gives Fils another chance to challenge Alcaraz.

Fils is now ranked No. 13 in the live ATP Rankings. If he wins the title in Barcelona, he will enter the Top 10 for the first time. Alcaraz, who already has four Grand Slams, has praised Fils and their growing rivalry.