Sinner and Alcaraz have created a duopoly in the men’s game over the past two seasons, forging a gripping rivalry which is starting to fill the void left by the sport’s ageing superstars.
This was another demonstration of how the duel – which the ATP Tour has long pinned its hopes on replacing the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic gap – could be a blockbuster for years to come.
Few would have confidently predicted which way their first meeting in the Wimbledon final would go.
Alcaraz, having won 35 of his 38 grass-court matches, had the greater pedigree on the surface, but Sinner had won their sole previous encounter at Wimbledon in 2022.
Alcaraz had made relatively slow starts with his service games over the past fortnight, which contributed to the Spaniard facing a total of 48 break points compared to Sinner’s 17.
When he lost serve and trailed 4-2 in the opener, it felt Alcaraz would again have to fight back from behind.
But he pounced when Sinner got sloppy in the eighth game to level and the subtle change of momentum led to Alcaraz claiming the lead with a stretching backhand which he somehow turned into an astonishing winner.
One of the factors that makes this rivalry intriguing is their opposite styles. Alcaraz has a higher ceiling of artistic shot-making, but his level can dip lower than the steadier Sinner.
That happened in the second set as Alcaraz’s serve – and concentration – went walkabout.
Sinner broke in the first game and, having survived pressure at 2-1 when his service motion was also disrupted by a champagne cork shooting on to the baseline, it was a decisive one.
With the scoreline locked at one set each, it felt like another classic in the making.
There continued to be little difference between the pair in the third set until Sinner swarmed over Alcaraz’s second serve in the ninth game to break and serve out for the lead.
Sinner’s relentlessly clean ball-striking from the back of the court, plus his fleet of foot when his opponent tried to lure him forward, began to frustrate Alcaraz in the fourth set.
Another early break put Sinner in command. The real test was serving out victory given what had happened in Paris – which he passed confidently.
