Three potentially biggest challengers to Carlos Alcaraz’s throne

Carlos Alcaraz challenger No. 3 – Jannik Sinner

Doesn’t it feel like Jannik Sinner has been on the tour for about 10 years already? But Sinner is still only 21 years old (he will turn 22 in just a few days). The only bit that is holding Sinner back from being a fixture in the top five is his consistency.

He’s got all the tools. Ridiculous forehand that he can hit at crazy angles? Check. Powerful two-handed backhand that he can rope down the line? Yep. And at 6’2″, he gets around the court really well and gets to shots most players assume are winners when they strike the ball. His serve is solid, but only when he finds his rhythm.

Sinner’s problem with his first serve so far only lands in about 59 percent of the time. That is the same percentage for his career as it is for 2023. This means that while he works to improve, the raw statistics do not show that his first serve is any more efficient than it ever has been. Alcaraz, in comparison, lands about 65 percent of his first serves.

Sinner and Alcaraz have met six times already. The two have split the head-to-head since 2021 and have split the two matches they have played in 2023. This means Sinner won’t have any fear of Alcaraz. And if Sinner can get more consistent with his game, he could give Alcaraz headaches for the next 15 years.