LONDON – We may not have needed further proof after that Roland Garros final, but they gave it to us anyway – the Carlos Alcaraz–Jannik Sinner era is officially underway. It’s here to stay, and the next chapter unfolds at the sport’s cathedral – Centre Court, Wimbledon. A blockbuster this Sunday, 16.00h in London.
It’s been just over a month since that classic on Court Philippe Chatrier. The dust has settled, but it still ranks as one of the top five matches of all time. Top 10 at worst. The bar was set sky-high.
I expect an elite showdown again, possibly five sets. But that chaos, shot-making, drama, the constant momentum shifts… that was lightning in a bottle. Hard to bottle that again.
Neither player was dialed in from the jump this fortnight, but since the quarters, they’ve found their gear. I’ve written that line too many times during the Big Three era – and with good reason.
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Sinner caught a break with Grigor Dimitrov’s injury, then steamrolled Ben Shelton. The North American nailed it when he said the World No.1 plays like everything’s in fast-forward – the ball explodes off his strings. Against an ailing Djokovic, Sinner barely had to shift into top gear. He comes into the final with fresh legs and sharp timing – a rare and lethal combo.
Alcaraz flirted with danger early, especially against Fognini. At times he looked like his head was back in El Palmar or partying on Ibiza. But from the quarters on, he’s looked more locked in. His semifinal against Fritz, particularly the final four points of that fourth-set breaker – down 4–6 – was vintage Carlos. Fritz didn’t blink, he hit his spots, but Alcaraz? He smells blood, and when he does, he pounces. No mercy, no hesitation – just pure killer instinct.
Carlitos is posting GOAT-level numbers at breakneck speed, and they could look even scarier after Sunday. He’s gunning for Slam No. 6 and still hasn’t lost a major final. The pundits, including Novak Djokovic, give him a slight edge – 51–49. I’d say maybe even 50.5–49.5.
Sinner’s edge? Discipline, shot tolerance, and unshakable focus. Alcaraz has more flair, more tricks in the bag – and his all-court game feels tailor-made for grass. Slice, drop shots, serve-and-volley – Carlitos pulls them off with style and intent. He doesn’t just win points with them – he feeds off the joy they bring him. And when Alcaraz is smiling on court, that usually means trouble for whoever is on the other side of the net.
Sinner can disrupt that rhythm. His serve is not only big but increasingly precise – and he’s reading the return game better than ever. Alcaraz’s second serve has looked attackable at times (aside from the Fritz match), and Jannik won’t think twice about stepping in and taking control.
Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 8–4 and has won the last five. But when legends collide, the past rarely dictates the present. Will Sinner flash back to Paris in a pressure moment? Maybe. Will that make him flinch? Not a chance. That’s how greatness reveals itself – and both Carlos and Jannik are already carving their names into tennis lore.
Anyone lucky enough to have a seat on Centre Court this Sunday won’t just witness a final – they’ll be part of tennis history. Alcaraz’s third or Sinner’s maiden Wimbledon? More importantly – a rivalry already red-hot now enters its golden phase, ready to reshape the sport’s future.
