During the 2024 season, the four Grand Slam titles were evenly distributed between the two players: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. While the former claimed the Australian Open and the US Open, Alcaraz breezed through the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships without much difficulty. In addition to the two Grand Slams, the Spaniard also won the silver medal in the Olympics, while Sinner maintained his position as the World No.1. The momentum is with Sinner at the moment, but Coco Gauff’s coach Brad Gilbert reckons it’s not that easy for the Italian to leave Alcaraz behind.

The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has already picked up the pace, as the Big 3 trio fades into the sunset. The two players have clashed 9 times, with Alcaraz leading the head-to-head numbers by 5-4. Their last meeting was the French Open semifinal, where Alcaraz won. In the celebrated rivalry, Gilbert is probably tilting a little bit towards Alcaraz, even though he has words of praise for Sinner as well.

As Sinner claimed his 2nd Grand Slam title, Gilbert posted his views on X and congratulated the Italian for his terrific win over Taylor Fritz. BG wrote, “Congrats to Sin City @janniksin on the daily double winning @AustralianOpen @usopen.” But then, a tennis fan asked who would win the most Grand Slams, Sinner or Alacarz. Responding to that, Gilbert said, “2 early to say Escape from Alcaraz 2 years younger and has the lead atm both are going to have great careers.”

Even though Alcaraz made an early exit from the US Open, Gilbert reckons because he has got the age by his side and he already has four Grand Slam titles in his pocket, he may have an upper hand as far as his battle with Sinner is concerned. Although BG emphasized that both the players would end up having great careers.

Jannik Sinner had a great run at the recently finished US Open and ahead of the final match, Gilbert decoded his game, pointing out the strengths of the World No. 1.

When Coco Gauff’s ex-coach praised Jannik Sinner before the US Open final

Brad Gilbert has always rated Sinner highly and even last year, he had said, “If Jannik plays his best tennis, I don’t know who can beat him”. Fast forward to September 2024, the Italian star has two Grand Slam titles to his name.

Ahead of the final match, Gilbert reflected on Sinner’s strengths and he had a piece of advice for his opponent Taylor Fritz as well. However, the match turned out to be one-sided as the Italian went past Fritz without being stretched to his limits.

Talking before the final, Gilbert had said, “The big thing that jumps out between the two of them is Sinner is a way better mover and way better defender… Fritz has got to be offensive-minded because they both play great offense, but Sinner can play better defense.” As it unfolded though, Fritz wasn’t offensive enough in his gameplay and the match finished with a straight-set victory for Sinner.

Sinner has had a whirlwind year. From winning a Grand slam in January to facing anti-doping charges and then winning a slam again towards the end of the year, it has been an absolute roller-coaster for the Italian. However, he has found some solace now, after constant criticism over his failed dope tests, even though he was cleared later by an Independent Tribunal. Do you think Sinner can continue his form in the Grand Slams next year? Let us know in the comments.