A new chapter in tennis history seemed to begin last July when Carlos Alcaraz won the Wimbledon championship.
One of the young guns had finally defeated an icon in a Grand Slam final after two decades of dominance by Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Djokovic seemed to suggest that men’s tennis had already entered a new era.
In the Wimbledon semifinals last summer, Djokovic easily defeated Jannik Sinner, who at that point in his growth was still lagging behind the game’s greats.
That was before to Djokovic winning the US Open and the ATP Finals, which allowed him to secure another year-end No. 1 ranking with plenty of room to spare.
Following that, the men’s game saw the greatest upheaval in a decade as Djokovic unexpectedly lost his way and Alcaraz and Sinner emerged as not just his possible heirs but also as the probable 2024 men’s doubles champions.
There is little doubt that the Spaniard and his Italian friend and rival look set to compete for the world No. 1 ranking and the biggest titles in the game over the course of the next ten years, even though Sinner and Alcaraz are struggling with injuries and might not be at their best if they decide to play at this month’s French Open.
Although it seems unlikely that Alcaraz and Sinner will be able to match the Grand Slam totals attained by Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, we asked reputable commentator Marcus Buckland to predict who will prevail in the match.
In his conversation with Tennis365 prior to his appearance as a radio host on Roland Garros during the French Open this year, Buckland remarked, “Wow, what a question that is.”
“Twelve months ago, Alcaraz was blowing everyone away, and I wouldn’t have even hesitated for a second.
“Considering his age and potential, he is an incredible tennis player who will only get better. His victory over Djokovic at Wimbledon last summer was just incredible.”
But given what Sinner has accomplished recently, I’m inclined to believe that over the course of his career, he may finish up with more Grand Slam victories than Alcaraz.
“It feels like there is a lot more to come from him as well, given how impressive it was for him to defeat Djokovic at the Australian Open and how he went on to win in Miami.”
The major disclaimer is that both players have experienced significant health problems recently, which may have an impact. Nevertheless, this will be an amazing fight, so perhaps they can get as fit as they can realistically be over the following ten years.
“I would have to rely on Sinner if I had to respond to you.
“Italian supporters have put a lot of pressure on him, and he has handled it so well, but Alcaraz is also in this situation.
“This young player has proven that he is the next Rafael Nadal, and he has already won two Grand Slams to live up to the hype.”
The good news for tennis is that, despite Andy Murray’s lengthy tenure with the “Big Three,” or “Big Four,” we are emerging from this golden age of the sport with a new generation that appears set to take over.
While Alcaraz and Sinner have already ignited the next generation by winning a few majors, we have a few wonder kids on the rise who could go on to win four or five Slams.
“Tennis is fortunate to have had this incredible era that is coming to an end and an exciting new generation of players that will shape the game for the next ten years.”
If they were well enough to play at Roland Garros, Alcaraz and Sinner would be among the favourites to win the French Open; nevertheless, they might have to wait for their big break on the red clay of Paris.
It’s safe to say that the next phase of men’s tennis will be every bit as thrilling as the one that is coming to an end with the departure of Federer, Nadal, and finally Djokovic.
