PARIS — Jannik Sinner, currently the top-ranked tennis player, has exhibited remarkable form at the French Open, maintaining a flawless record by not dropping a single set throughout the tournament. This Sunday, he faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final. While Sinner has displayed consistency, Alcaraz has encountered more challenges, losing four sets during his path to the final.
Sinner’s performance has been impressive, especially highlighted by his victory over Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, where he was only pushed to one tiebreaker. Riding on a 20-match winning streak in Grand Slams, Sinner has already clinched titles at the U.S. Open and the Australian Open this year.
“Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 2, acknowledged Sinner’s supremacy in the current tennis landscape, describing him as a player who is dismantling every opponent. However, Alcaraz presents a strong case for himself with a remarkable 21-1 record on clay this year, having triumphed in Rome and Monte Carlo. Notably, Alcaraz bested Sinner in one of these finals following the latter’s return from a doping suspension.”
Alcaraz holds a psychological edge over Sinner, boasting victories in their last four encounters and a career head-to-head lead of 7-4. Despite being a year younger at 22, he has secured more Grand Slam titles, and this upcoming match will mark his second appearance in a French Open final — a stage Sinner is yet to reach.
Novak Djokovic, a titan in tennis with a record 24 major titles, experienced firsthand the formidable challenge presented by Sinner’s unyielding aggression and powerful serve during their match. Djokovic has also suffered defeats to Alcaraz in two Wimbledon finals, demonstrating the Spaniard’s flair for incredible shot-making and power on the court.
Djokovic reflected on the challenge posed by both rising stars, noting their ability to maintain pressure throughout the match and take advantage of rare opportunities. “When the opportunities are presented, they’re very rare, so it makes you a little more anxious,” he observed.
Sinner attributed his victory over Djokovic, especially during a challenging third set, to his ability to remain calm and keep perspective. “It’s crucial to take your time and keep the big picture in mind,” Sinner explained. “I think I managed that very well.”
This mental fortitude might be where Sinner edges out Alcaraz, who, though entertaining and talented, has shown signs of nervousness at Roland-Garros. In his semifinal against Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian retired due to injury, and Alcaraz, after dropping a set, expressed confidence in his resilience.
Alcaraz emphasized that losing sets doesn’t fret him, as he believes in his capacity for comeback, a trait displayed in last year’s French Open final where he turned the match around against Alexander Zverev.
Sinner, however, has showcased superior serving and a delicate touch, as evidenced by his mesmerizing drop shots against Djokovic. “It’s going to be an exhilarating Sunday for tennis fans,” Alcaraz remarked, anticipating a thrilling final.
The result is set to determine whether Alcaraz will extend his Grand Slam lead to 5-3, or if Sinner will level the score at 4-4. This emerging rivalry between two promising talents could potentially forge a narrative akin to the legendary contest among Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
“No doubt, these two are great for the sport,” Djokovic noted, observing that while such a rivalry akin to his era may be premature, it is certainly a delightful addition to tennis. The anticipation is that fans will frequently witness both Sinner and Alcaraz lifting significant trophies.