Carlos Alcaraz on rivalry with Jannik Sinner: We're fighting for great things in tennis

For years, tennis was known for the rivalry between the “Big Three”: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. In 2025, Djokovic is still playing but the other two have called time on their illustrious careers. As the younger generation tries to take over the scene, Carlos Alcaraz believes that he and Jannik Sinner could be the flag bearers of replicating the success the legendary trio achieved.

After his win in Round 4 of the US Open, Alcaraz spoke in a press conference about what made his rivalry with Sinner special. He said that the stakes that they both play for in every match make their competition worth enjoying.

"I mean, for what we are fighting for, I think that makes a really good rivalry." He also added that they both have shared goals, and they are fuelled by the kind of history the 'Big Three' have passed on to the players of the new generation.

"Right now, Jannik and I are fighting for the No. 1 spot. We’re fighting for the Grand Slams. We've played two finals already this year. A few Masters 1000 finals. So we're fighting for the great things in tennis, and I think that makes a good rivalry," Alcaraz said.

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The Sincaraz rivalry, as fans call it, has already set itself apart in the world of tennis. The duo have met in two Grand Slam finals in 2025, with both winning one each.

"That's what the Big Three did. They played the Grand Slam final, and they split the No. 1 spot for a really long time. I would say that's what makes a really good rivalry," he added.

In life and on the tennis court, the competition is intense. Sinner and Alcaraz both have held the World No. 1 ranking at one point in time and have Grand Slam titles to their names. While they are far from what the Big Three have done in the tennis scene, they’re closer to making records of their own — like the one Alcaraz made on Monday, September 1, as the youngest man to reach 13 Grand Slam quarterfinals.

Sinner, on the other hand, joined elite company in the US Open by becoming the fourth-youngest player to win 20 singles matches at all four Grand Slams. He put his name in the elite company of Rafael Nadal, Boris Becker, and Novak Djokovic.

As the US Open closes in on the final, fans would hope that Sincaraz reach the final of the competition, so that they see yet another blockbuster from the duo on Sunday, September 7.