Rafael Nadal Makes Bold Predictions About Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but Is Unsure What the Future Holds for Them

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominated the ATP tour last year, winning 12 titles combined.

Rafael Nadal Makes Bold Predictions About Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but Is Unsure What the Future Holds for Them

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (via X/French Open/Eurosport)

For the past two years, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the men’s circuit. Both players have shown that they are at a higher level than the other players after winning two Grand Slam titles each last season. Rafael Nadal believes they have an advantage over other players but also stated that the future is unpredictable.

Alcaraz and Sinner won the most titles last season, with four for the former and eight for the latter. They continued with their impressive form this season as Sinner claimed the Australian Open in January, while Alcaraz won the Rotterdam and Monte Carlo. However, Sinner was away from the court due to a three-month suspension.

Despite the suspension, Sinner sits as the World No.1 in the ATP rankings with 1,840 points above Alcaraz, who is No.3. The duo have become major on court rivals in recent months. They met thrice last season on tour, with Alcaraz winning all their meetings. They are projected to face each other at the Italian Open final, if they win their respective matches.

Nadal, who retired from professional tennis at the Davis Cup Finals in November, revealed during an interview that Sinner and Alcaraz are dominating the court. He added that both players have an advantage over other men’s players on tour.

It seems that Jannik and Carlos [Alcaraz] are at a higher level than the others and that if they are spared from injuries, they will fight for the most important titles for a long time. There will always be new players of a high level. Jannik and Carlos have an advantage over the others at the moment; they seem to be at a higher level and have been for the last two years, but we will see; the future is unpredictable. The beauty and greatness of the sport are linked to its unpredictability.

Rafael Nadal said via La Gazzetta dello Sport

Alcaraz and Sinner will be looking forward to claiming more titles this season. Sinner, who is returning from suspension, will open his account against Mariano Navone in the second round of the Italian Open after earning a first-round bye.

Rafael Nadal reacts to Jannik Sinner’s return to the tour in Rome

Jannik Sinner reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to serve a three-month suspension for his doping case. The World No.1 twice tested positive for clostebol but defended that the banned substance inadvertently entered his system. He has returned to tour after serving the full tenure of his ban. Rafael Nadal believes it will be a difficult return for the World No.1.

Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner
Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Tennis Magazine, Giovanni Pelazzo)

It will be difficult because it is always like this when you return after a period away from competitions. But the positive thing is that Jannik [Sinner] is not returning after an injury; he was able to continue training and preparing, and I think he will take to the field with great desire. Not having access to all the relevant information, I prefer to respect the processes and justice.

Rafael Nadal said

Sinner’s last competitive match was against Alexander Zverev in the final of the Australian Open. The Italian has not played any tour-level match for over three months, which will show when he enters the court in Rome.

Carlos Alcaraz opens his Italian Open campaign with significant win

Carlos Alcaraz made a strong comeback from injury on Friday (May 9) at the Italian Open after beating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-3 in the second round. The Spaniard, who missed the Madrid Open due to a right abductor strain, resumed his clay season at the Foro Italico, having won the Monte Carlo and finished as runners-up in Barcelona.

Carlos Alcaraz (via X/Carlos Alcaraz Daily)
Carlos Alcaraz (via X/Carlos Alcaraz Daily)

Alcaraz was full of energy during his match and looked comfortable throughout the match. However, he did wear a black compression sleeve on his right leg and a nasal strip to aid breathing. He needed just an hour and twenty-three minutes to secure his victory over Lajovic and will now take on Laslo Djere in the third round.

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