Jannik Sinner believes that his growing dispute with Carlos Alcaraz can become the main rivalry of modern tennis – and an essential element to maintain interest in sport after the “gold generation” retirement.
In Roland Garros, preventing the Serb from winning the 25th Grand Slam title and leaving doubts about the future of former number 1 in Paris.
With the victory, Sinner advanced to the final to face Alcaraz again – – on Sunday (8), in a dispute that has everything to mark the next decade of tennis.
Roger Federer, and Andy Murray have already said goodbye to the circuit. Djokovic, now 37, is the only active remnant of Big Four generation. For Sinner, this paves the way for a new phase starring names like his and Alcaraz.
Rivalry with Alcaraz can mark the generation, says Sinner
“It takes time to compare us to Big Three or Big Four, right? Only time will say,” said Sinner. “But he is a player who forces me to evolve. It pushes me to the limit, and makes me understand where I need to improve.”
Sinner also stressed the importance of rivalries to keep the sport relevant: “Tennis – or any sport – needs it. It may be one of the main ones, but there are many talents emerging.”
On Sunday, Sinner and Alcaraz will make the 12th confrontation between them. The 22 -year -old Spaniard seeks his fifth consecutive victory over the Italian to successfully defend the title in Roland Garros.
Djokovic opined on the rise of the duo and warned: “To be in the same conversation as me, Federer, Nadal and Murray, they will need to play for more than 10 years in a row.”
Djokovic approves rivalry: “Sport needs it”
Despite the caveat, Djokovic praised the impact of the two young people: “They are great for tennis. The rivalry between them is something that sport needs.”
Sinner also highlighted the charisma of the Spanish: “He has a special aura. When he steps on the court, he feels his presence. And that’s what tennis needs: players who bring the audience closer to the sport.”
For Italian, the more athletes with this energy, the better for the popularization of tennis. “These are the players who make people want to watch and be interested in the sport,” he concluded.
