Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, both two-time Grand Slam champions in 2024, have been neck-and-neck in terms of tournament participation. Their intense rivalry has captivated tennis fans worldwide. While Sinner currently holds the world number one ranking, the dynamic between these two young stars extends beyond mere rankings. An Italian tennis player, Raffaella Reggi, has pointed out the distinct differences in their playing styles that set them apart.

Talking about the sames, Reggi offers a fascinating perspective on how each player engages with the crowd during their matches. The former world number 13 and now commentator for Sky Sport stated, “Two guys with two ways of being on the field and playing: Alcaraz, more whimsical, his qualities make him think less. Everything Jannik does is instead the result of reasoning. Then there are the attitudes:

Jannik never changes expression, Alcaraz plays with the crowd, smiles after a shot. All this can create a beautiful rivalry. And the two respect each other and stimulate each other. I was watching Riad’s performance again, an incredible quality,” she concluded. Just a few days ago, even Taylor Fritz talked about the two.

During an interview with Tennis Channel, the American celebrity highlighted the similarities between Sinner, Alcaraz, and the Big 3, and also pointed out a differential aspect in favor of the Italian and the Spanish:

“What impresses me the most about Jannik and Carlos is how incredibly well they defend. In fact, it’s not even that they defend, but when they find themselves in a corner of the court, they explode the ball. I can be in a backhand exchange with them, and I know that if I go for a drive, my shot will have to be really good. If I don’t manage to completely overwhelm them, the next ball will completely displace me.”

Apparently, the American tennis start is someone who has had the unique opportunity to compete against the rising talents of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, as well as the legendary duo of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Taylor Fritz has a 2-14 record against the Big Three, with both wins coming against Rafael Nadal.

Even the rising talent Ben Shelton added his thoughts to the debate a few days ago, expressing his admiration for one of the two young champions.

Ben Shelton snubs Jannik Sinner in favor of Carlos Alcaraz

Shelton has demonstrated his increasing skill on the ATP Tour with an outstanding run to the Swiss Indoors SFs. He is currently looking forward to his finals showdown against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Following this exciting tournament, he is set to compete at the Paris Masters, where a potential showdown against Jannik Sinner looms on the horizon.

Amid all this, Shelton holds a strong appreciation for Carlos Alcaraz as an athlete, despite the intense environment surrounding their forthcoming encounter. He said, “Alcaraz is a great athlete, can hit every shot in the book, entertains the crowd and always has a smile on his face. He is a personality on the court, that is what I like to watch and he gives me that fix of seeing an entertainer but someone who also plays the game at the highest level.”

Alongside Alcaraz, Shelton chose Grigor Dmitrov as his favorites to watch on ATP Tour right now: “Grigor plays the game so beautifully. I think that a lot of what he does is similar to what Roger used to do. Perfect technique, slice, the serve. He is technically sound on every shot, so that is why I adore watching him.”

Well, be it Sinner’s aura or Alcaraz’s humility, both of them have proven their worth on court and currently hold the No. 1 and No. 2 positions respectively for all the right reasons. Won’t you agree?