Paris Olympics: Jannik Sinner Plans to Hunt Down Carlos Alcaraz as ATP Rivalry Set to Reach New Heights

For about two decades, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal had a chokehold on the men’s tennis arena. In 2024, Federer is already retired, and Nadal and Djokovic seem to be in the twilight of their careers. Who next? Jannik Sinner (1) and Carlos Alcaraz (2). The youngsters have now pushed Novak Djokovic to the third spot in the men’s singles ranking. The thrilling rivalry which officially started in the 2021 Paris Masters is now all set to continue at the Olympics as well!

On Wednesday, David Ferrer, the captain of the Spanish men’s team, confirmed that Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will team up with each other at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This means the three-time Grand Slam champion will now play at both singles and doubles events at the Olympics this year.

And now, as per several reports, the Italian Tennis Federation has also confirmed the participation of Jannik Sinner in both singles and doubles even at the Paris Olympics. He’s coming for his Spanish rival and is about to give us some of the most brilliant tennis we have seen.

This will be the first time the Italians will be representing their nation at the Olympics. Both of them know that they need to grab this opportunity with both hands as this doesn’t come as frequently as the Grand Slam. Carlos Alcaraz was recently asked to pick in between the Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics and here’s what he had to say on this. “It is complicated, but the games are held every four years and it is a special tournament because it is not just for you because you represent a whole country, all Spaniards. This year, I would choose Olympic gold,” Alcaraz said.

On the other hand, during the 2024 AO, Jannik Sinner was asked whether he would be the flag bearer for his country at the Olympics this year. Sinner replied, “I don’t think about being the flag bearer at the Olympics. The Games will be a key moment in my career, it will be the first time I will participate. There are all the best athletes in the world, who I can’t wait to meet and from whom I want to take inspiration.“

Although Carlos Alcaraz currently leads the H2H at 5-4, it will be interesting to see if Sinner can level it up in Paris this time. Jannik Sinner has already made his intentions very clear and he “can’t wait to play against” Carlos Alcaraz yet again.

Jannik Sinner ‘politely‘ sets the tone for the next faceoff against Carlos Alcaraz

After defeating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-setter at the SF of the 2024 French Open, Carlos Alcaraz heaped praise on the Italian. He said, “Jannik is a great player, the team he has as well, the great work he puts in every day and I hope to play many, many more matches like this one against Jannik – but one of the toughest matches I’ve played for sure.” Even Jannik Sinner complimented the Spaniard for his incredible efforts in sealing the deal in the semis of Roland Garros. 

Sinner said, “I’m very happy for him. It’s amazing. He makes me a better tennis player, every time when I play him and I lose I know what I have to improve.” However, the Italian tennis star didn’t waste any time to remind the fans they are possibly going to rule the tennis world for the next decade. Jannik Sinner added, “I can’t wait to play against him again. I think this makes me a better player because we have a rivalry which is a little bit different. I’m very happy to hopefully show in the future that I have improved as a player and I’m looking forward to it.” Surely they are the ones to watch out for in the upcoming years, but what are your thoughts on this epic rivalry?