Carlos Alcaraz is all set to defend the Wimbledon title after claiming the French Open with a historic win. However, the Spaniard’s arch nemesis Jannik Sinner’s threat looms over his campaign on grass. After suffering a crushing defeat against Alcaraz at Roland Garros, Sinner is riled up to pay back the World No.2.

While Alcaraz seems a firm favorite to win the encounter again, the American legend Andy Roddick isn’t ruling out the possibility of Sinner turning the tables.

Recently on the podcast New Top Two and Is it Ons Time, Andy Roddick discussed the European tennis landscape with Genie Bouchard and Steve Weissman. The discussion was centered on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, two of the best young players on the ATP tour. With the rivalry currently in Alcaraz’s favor by 5-4, Roddick admitted that Alcaraz’s game was more multi-dimensional and transitioning from clay to grass wasn’t difficult for him.

“I think his upside is the Wimbledon champion. And I think he’s gonna have to figure out the nuances. I think at this point. You know, Alcaraz has a little bit more variety. I think his game kind of translates to grass a little bit easier,” Roddick said.

The 41-year-old, however, also showered praise on Sinner, despite Alcaraz dominating the Italian at Roland Garros. Calling Sinner a complete player, Roddick said, “Last year during Queens. Sinner is just a different guy. He’s a contender to any slam that he plays and he’s a complete player.” 

While Alcaraz is seen as the perfect mix of Big 3, Roddick thinks Sinner’s adaptability with the surfaces is his biggest strength. He doesn’t have to make too many changes to his game as he moves from surface to surface. However, according to Roddick, Alcaraz has the upper hand as his game is more evolved and he has a few more options on the court.

“He (Sinner) doesn’t have to adjust his game as much surface-to-surface as maybe an Alcaraz. But Alcaraz has more options to kind of get in floating. You know, that’s more natural. That’s more of an instinct for him,” Roddick added.

Roddick refrained from predicting the winner and stressed that it would all boil down to who held their serve the most. “Listen, I’ll tell you something I’m not a mathematician Steve. But when you hold serve 93% of the time, and you’re capable of breaking, good things can happen for you,” Roddick stated.

While only time will tell who claims the Wimbledon title, Sinner is focused on getting one back on Alcaraz after losing the French Open semi-final at the hands of the Spaniard.

Jannik Sinner is keen to avenge the French Open defeat against Carlos Alcaraz

During the semifinal at Roland Garros, Sinner pushed Alcaraz to a 5-set thriller despite an injury. The Spaniard, however, emerged victorious and also went on to claim the title. But after his loss at the French Open, Sinner had made it clear he was eagerly waiting for another encounter against Alcaraz. “I can’t wait to play against him again,” Sinner said in the aftermath of the loss.

Alcaraz had also acknowledged Sinner’s tennis prowess in a post-match interview as 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.” 

One thing is certain, whenever these two players go head to head again, it will be a fascinating encounter. Tennis fans cannot wait for the showdown and the rivalry to strengthen.