Jannik Sinner Explains ‘Biggest Challenges’ of Facing Arch-Rival Carlos Alcaraz: “He Has Virtually No Weaknesses”

World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and World No.2 Jannik Sinner have won a combined 14 titles in the 2025 season.

Jannik Sinner Explains ‘Biggest Challenges’ of Facing Arch-Rival Carlos Alcaraz: “He Has Virtually No Weaknesses”

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, Jannik Sinner HQ)

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Ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, which is scheduled to start on January 18, Jannik Sinner will be in Incheon for an exhibition event where he will lock horns with Carlos Alcaraz. It will be the first time that Korean fans will be able to watch the arch-rival clash with each other.

This year, the World No.1 and World No.2 faced each other six times (all in the finals), with the latter ending two finals in his favor, at Wimbledon and the ATP Finals. Alcaraz secured the wins at the Italian Open, French Open, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open. In the ATP Finals, Alcaraz reached the championship match for the first time.

Since 2024, Sinner has met Alcaraz 10 times, including their encounter at the Six Kings Slam. The four-time Grand Slam champion clinched the win four times (including the Riyadh exhibition). In his overall head-to-head meetings, the 24-year-old trails 6-10. Sinner, during his interview with Tennis Korea, explained what makes Alcaraz a tough opponent.

First of all, he has virtually no weaknesses. He’s one of the best players on tour right now, perhaps even the best. Playing against him is always a challenge, but it’s also a lot of fun. Every game has a completely different story and flow, which makes it even more exciting. He’s also incredibly fast, so it’s difficult to break through him anywhere on the court. He’s also incredibly mentally strong, playing every point as if it were the last. These are the biggest challenges facing him.

Jannik Sinner said

The last title that the Spaniard clinched this season is the Japan Open by defeating Taylor Fritz. He ended the season with eight trophies from 11 finals, while Sinner bagged six from 10 finals.

Carlos Alcaraz on fans’ wish to see Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry between him and Jannik Sinner

Fans want to see a Roger Federer–Rafael Nadal-like rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Apart from their on-court rival, the tennis world likes the fact that the young Grand Slam champions have respect and admiration for each other, and this also reminds them of the Fedal era. Alcaraz, during his interview with Tennis Korea, talked about the comparison between his and Sinner’s to that of the Federer-Nadal rivalry.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (5)
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

This comparison is truly an honor for me as a player. I think it means a lot that tennis fans feel that way when watching our matches. Rivalries in sports are a powerful element that fuels fan interest, and I, too, was greatly inspired by the rivalry between Rafa and Roger as I grew up. Jannik and I have already faced each other on many major stages and have had intense matches. We’ve faced each other in several Grand Slam finals, and I believe we make each other stronger.

Novak Djokovic joined the Big 2 to form the formidable Big 3, and the tennis world is also waiting for the third player who can break the Sinner-Alcaraz dominance. Since 2024, they have won a combined 26 titles from 35 finals, including the last eight Majors.

Djokovic is the last player other than Sinner and Alcaraz to win a Major (at the 2023 US Open). Since then, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has reached just one Major final (at Wimbledon). The Serb has reached the twilight of his career, but he dreams of playing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He wants to close the most remarkable chapter of his life in Los Angeles.

The last Big Title that Nole won was the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal by defeating Alcaraz. This year, he clinched just two ATP 250 titles (Geneva Open and the Hellenic Championship).

Also read: Roger Federer Holds Optimism About Doing an Exhibition Tour With Rafael Nadal in the Near Future