Tennis courts may be battlegrounds for fierce rivalries, but they’re also where some of the most enduring friendships are born. Sure, we’ve seen rivalries that have transcended the sport, but it’s the unexpected bondings that often steal the show. Leading the way in this new generation of friendships are none other than Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are redefining what it means to compete at the highest level. It’s almost like watching a modern-day Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the making. 

Sinner and Alcaraz played their latest campaign at the China Open and faced each other in a thrilling final. Despite a winning start to the match, the Italian sensation failed to continue his momentum and lost it in three sets, 7-6, 6-4, 7-6. This was the third defeat that Sinner faced against the Spaniard this season. However, despite the rivalry that has been seen on the courts, the duo engaged in a remarkable display of friendship, which is indeed a rare one on tennis courts. 

Alcaraz and Sinner were seen traveling together along with their teams, in the same airplanes for their next campaign at the Shanghai Masters. In the picture shared by journalist and tennis commentator Jose Morgado, the star players can be seen in a cheerful spirit. While Sinner is posing for the camera with a smile, Alcaraz can be seen posing with a peace symbol as the happiness of a title win is evident on his face. This picture is more powerful because of the fact that it highlights a similar bond that was depicted between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. 

Nadal and Federer have often resonated with immense regard for each other and, despite their rivalry, they are considered to be close and special friends. It is probably for this reason that Nadal was amongst the first few people whom Federer dialed to inform about his retirement decision. The two have been often seen engaging in activities that are way beyond their rivalry, with a recent one being seen this year when the two teamed up with Louis Vuitton for a new chapter in its “Core Values” campaign. 

A similar happening was witnessed even ahead of the Roland Garros semifinal where despite the high stakes involved, Federer and Nadal were spotted greeting each other cheerfully and taking pictures together. Rafa has also spoken greatly about his counterpart and, in fact, said, “It’s a rivalry, of course, but it’s also a friendship. We’re having a great story together. We have had long careers. Facing each other in the most important tournaments for such a very, very long time.” And as the tennis world gears up to witness a similar friendship on the courts, Alcaraz, too, heaped up praises on his Italian counterpart. 

‘He’s a beast’, when Carlos Alcaraz expressed his immense respect for Jannik Sinner’s talent

The latest match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was indeed a closely-knit contest. It had the potential to go on either side, but fate was in Alcaraz’s favor who clinched the title at the China Open. But despite winning all three matches against Sinner this year and leaving behind the World No. 1 in the head-to-head tally, 6-4, the Spanish star has not failed to sing his praises. 

Speaking after winning the match in Beijing, Alcaraz spoke highly of Sinner. “He could [have won] in two, I could win in two, he could win in three. It was a really close match,” Alcaraz said. “Jannik, once again, he showed that he’s the best player in the world, at least for me. The level that he’s playing, it’s unbelievable. It’s a really high quality of tennis. Of shots, physically, mentally, he’s a beast.”

For now, it would be interesting to see if this friendship between the two will continue to remain intact and foster more despite the rivalry that they are engaged in on the courts.