Frances Tiafoe Dissects the Difference Between the Playing Styles of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have dominated the tennis tour for the last two years.

Frances Tiafoe Dissects the Difference Between the Playing Styles of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (image via Wimbledon), Frances Tiafoe (image via US Open)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Frances Tiafoe has been struggling for form in recent months, yet he remains focused on chasing major titles. The American, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, endured a disappointing US Open run, falling in the fourth round to Jan-Lennard Struff in a surprising upset.

In his press conference, Tiafoe discussed the playing style of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The two young stars have claimed the last eight Grand Slam trophies between them and currently occupy the top two spots in the rankings. Tiafoe admitted the gap is wide but revealed he is studying their strengths in hopes of elevating his own game. He said in his post-match press conference:

Everyone’s puzzle is different, everyone’s style is different. But the most important thing is the intensity with which they play, the speed at which they play. With Jannik, you know what to expect from him every day. Alcaraz is more like me, in the sense that he has a more flashy talent, but his effort and what he brings is the same every day. If I can take more of that inspiration, bring an intense effort to training, I’ll be fine.

His struggles continued in Tokyo at the 2025 Japan Open. Tiafoe exited in the first round after a three-set battle with Marton Fucsovics, losing 6-3, 1-6, 5-7. Despite striking ten aces, his serve proved inconsistent and allowed the Hungarian 13 break point chances.

Looking ahead, Tiafoe will aim to improve his record at the Shanghai Masters, where he has only managed two career wins so far. The tournament begins on October 1, giving him another chance to reset and rediscover momentum on tour.

Jannik Sinner snubbed at Six Kings Slam

The richest prize in tennis is set to return next month as Saudi Arabia hosts the second edition of the Six Kings Slam. The event will once again bring together some of the biggest names in men’s tennis, with Jannik Sinner arriving as the defending champion. Despite his triumph last year, the Italian may feel hard done by with the newly released draw.

Jannik Sinner US Open 2025
Jannik Sinner (image via X/Jannik Sinner)

Sinner lifted the inaugural Six Kings Slam trophy in 2024 after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final. He fought back from a set down to beat the Spaniard 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, earning a staggering $6 million payday. While the match did not affect their official head-to-head record, it marked one of the most lucrative victories of his career.

This year, however, the Italian’s path to the title appears tougher. Organizers have granted Novak Djokovic a direct spot in the semi-finals, leaving Sinner with an extra hurdle if he wants to defend his crown. The Six Kings Slam will feature Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, with all matches streamed globally on Netflix.

Tsitsipas joins the lineup as a replacement for Jack Draper, who withdrew with injury. Yet doubts remain over the Greek star’s own fitness, as he is reportedly managing a problem that could keep him out for several weeks. Even so, the lucrative payouts may tempt him to compete, just as Daniil Medvedev did last year when he earned $1.5 million despite a swift defeat to Sinner in Riyadh.

Carlos Alcaraz at risk of withdrawing from Japan Open

Carlos Alcaraz faces a tough choice after suffering an injury scare in his opening match at the 2025 Japan Open. The World No. 1 still managed to defeat Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday in Tokyo, but his fitness is now in question as the season winds down.

Carlos Alcaraz (via X/Jose Morgado)
Carlos Alcaraz (via X/Jose Morgado)

The incident came in the fifth game when Alcaraz pulled up chasing a drop shot and collapsed to the court. He struggled to put weight on his left foot and required medical attention from the physio. Though clearly in pain, he was able to continue the match and eventually close out the win.

Even with the victory, Alcaraz showed signs that he was not fully comfortable. His movement to the left was cautious, and he relied more than usual on the backhand slice. His celebration after match point was noticeably subdued, suggesting he was still feeling the effects of the knock.

Next, Alcaraz is scheduled to face World No. 45 Zizou Bergs on Saturday in the night session. The later start gives him extra recovery time, yet doubts remain over whether he should compete at all. The Spaniard admitted he considered retiring during his match against Baez but ultimately played on, noting that he did not want to disappoint the Tokyo crowd.

Also Read: Nick Kyrgios’ Former Coach Convinced About What Novak Djokovic Will Think If He Fails to Win Shanghai Masters