Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are making waves in the world of tennis! Both of them have won two Grand Slams each this year and seem to be well set for years of dominance, even though the Serb maestro Novak Djokovic is still around. Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rick Macci, also sees a clear path to dominance for these two dynamic young players. Earlier today on September 14, Macci made a bold statement on the new heroes of tennis.

Taking to his X handle, Macci predicted, “The future on the ATP TOUR and the Grand Slams is crystal clear barring injury. Alcaraz and Sinner to be the Winner with a Cameo from a top ten Foe. @carlosalcaraz @janniksin.” Novak Djokovic has dropped no hints of retirement just yet and it was not a long time ago that he won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. But interestingly, Macci seems to believe that the grand slam battles in the future will largely be between Alcaraz and Sinner, with an odd upset here and there.

Known for his expertise and insights, the seven-time USPTA national coach of the year, Macci, once openly admitted that Alcaraz is “a combination of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi,” in terms of his skills. Emphasizing how the Spaniard has the potential to win many Grand Slams, the American coach hailed him as the “leader in the clubhouse.” 

Alcaraz, who recovered from his right arm injury earlier this year, jumped back into action in the French Open after missing the Italian and the Monte Carlos Masters events. The Spaniard breezed past everyone to win the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships, before winning a silver medal in his Paris Olympics debut. So his career is certainly headed in the right direction.

While Carlitos is boasting his four grand slams, Sinner is not too far behind, although he doesn’t have as many slam titles. The Italian won six titles this year and made it to the top of the ATP rankings. Praising Sinner last year, Macci wrote on X, “He WIIL BE number one someday and Sooner Rather Than later. Jannik Joker and Carlos will play Musical Chairs going up and down the NUMBER RANKING STAIRS.” Well, that prediction did turn out to be true.

But it’s rather surprising that Macci overlooked the fact that Novak Djokovic is still active on the circuit and might be there for the next couple of years. And if he is there, he will always be in with a chance at the Grand Slams, even though he hasn’t looked in his best form after his knee injury.

The Serb maestro suffered a knee injury in the French Open and also, lost his top ranking. He hasn’t won a title this year and his only moment of glory has been the gold medal in the Olympics. But still, he can’t be written off. Macci himself had called Djokovic “timeless” not too long ago after he suffered a shocking round-of-32 loss in the Italian Open.

But now that the 24-time Grand Slam winner finds himself under scrutiny, owing to his stuttering form this year, it seems Macci is firmly backing Alcaraz and Sinner. Earlier this year, Macci also made an interesting comment on the possibility of coaching Novak Djokovic.

Macci’s take on coaching Novak Djokovic

Macci coached Serena and Venus Williams for around 5 years (starting in 1991), honing their skills before their father, Richard Williams, took over his daughters’ coaching. However, years later, when it came to coaching another tennis legend, Novak Djokovic, who parted ways with his six-year coach, Goran Ivanisevic, Macci made his thoughts clear, as he said, “I don’t think a coach can make that much difference. I think it can help you motivation-wise and strategy-wise. But, listen, he is on third base. He is heading towards home. I don’t think a coach can make that much difference.”

When asked about his opinion on Novak Djokovic’s ability to win more grand slams, Macci had a straightforward answer, as he stated that ultimately it is Djokovic himself who is steering the wheel in this case. “So, it really comes down to him, and if he stays healthy, I think he can win a handful of more Grand Slams.”

Macci might have sidelined Novak Djokovic in his prediction for now, but he would be happy if the Serbian continues to dominate the tennis world along with Alcaraz and Sinner.