New order: Alcaraz says that with Sinner and him profitable the Slams, it’s good for the sport to have contemporary faces.
| Photograph Credit score: AP
Transitions between sporting eras are typically messy affairs. There may be first a vacuum, after which a number of contenders jostle to fill this area earlier than an otherworldly expertise descends and wins all the things in sight.
That is what occurred when Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi slowly exited the scene within the early 2000s, and the likes of Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt, Thomas Johansson and Andy Roddick sparred earlier than Roger Federer, after which Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, established a two-decade lengthy stranglehold.
As compared, the transition to the period of Carlos Alcaraz (21) and Jannik Sinner (22) from the Large Three has been wrinkle free. Djokovic had one of many biggest years in tennis historical past in 2023, profitable three Majors, reaching the ultimate of the opposite, claiming the ATP Tour Finals and ending the season as World No.1 for a file eighth time.
But, there was area for Alcaraz and Sinner to supply enough proof that they’re the chosen two. As a substitute of a churn, what we’ve witnessed appear to be affirmation hearings. Alcaraz’s gorgeous straight units victory over Djokovic within the Wimbledon closing on Sunday, which ensured that every one three Slams in 2024 thus far have been received by Sinner (Aus Open) and Alcaraz (Roland-Garros and Wimbledon), has offered essentially the most definitive proof but.
“Being with Jannik, profitable Grand Slams… I feel it’s good for tennis to have new faces,” Alcaraz mentioned, after profitable his fourth Main. “I’m actually glad to have him [Sinner]. We’ve got a extremely good rivalry and it’s nice for the game.”
There was by no means any doubting Alcaraz’s and Sinner’s expertise. It was all the time a query of their psychological make-up, essentially the most essential side in profitable huge tournaments. However Sinner’s victory over the Serb within the 2024 Australian Open semifinal and Alcaraz’s within the final two Wimbledon finals have proven that they’ve the mettle.
“Each of them are the very best this 12 months by far,” Djokovic mentioned. “I’m not at that degree. To essentially have an opportunity to beat these guys in Grand Slam later phases or Olympics, I’ll should play significantly better than I did [vs. Alcaraz].”
This 12 months might be one the place Djokovic, a ordinary winner of all huge prizes, turns the chaser. Alcaraz believes Djokovic continues to be the “Superman”, however the 37-year-old is aware of he has a troublesome job.
“I’m going to work on it,” the 24-time Main champion mentioned. “It’s not one thing I haven’t skilled earlier than. Within the face of adversity, usually I rise and I study and get stronger. That’s what I’m going to do.”
