Wimbledon: Can Jannik Sinner crack the Carlos Alcaraz code in grand finale?

India Today

3 days ago

As Novak Djokovic slowly recedes as the final torchbearer of the Big 3, a fiery new rivalry is taking center stage - Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz. And while both are elite, it's Sinner who's often seen as the underdog - not because he lacks the skill, but because Alcaraz has taken his game to staggering new heights over the past three years.advertisementSince pulling off his stunning 2022 US Open triumph and becoming the youngest-ever world No.1, the Spaniard has only grown more dominant, with many predicting he'll smash a slew of records. Sinner, by contrast, has quietly built his empire - and now holds the No.1 ranking himself, having done so for over a year.This Sunday, expect Centre Court to ignite as the two face off in the Wimbledon men's singles final. Just last month, they lit up Roland Garros with a historic five-hour, 53-minute battle - the longest French Open final ever, and the second-longest Grand Slam final of all time, behind only the 2012 Australian Open classic.Sinner searching for answers
In their head-to-head battles, Carlos Alcaraz holds a commanding 8-4 lead over Jannik Sinner. And if you narrow the lens to just the past two years, the numbers tilt even more heavily in Alcaraz's favour - he's won five straight against the Italian. The last time Sinner triumphed was at the 2023 Beijing Open semifinals.Sinner did glimpse victory in their epic French Open final last month, surging to a two-set lead. But Alcaraz, true to his warrior spirit, rose like a phoenix and turned the match on its head - winning 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 at Philippe-Chatrier. The defining moment? Alcaraz saved three match points while staring down a 3-5, 0-40 deficit in the fourth set. How he clawed back from there is something only he knows.It's not that Sinner hasn't challenged him - he's pushed Alcaraz to the limit time and again. But more often than not, the Spaniard has found answers. Now, with the Wimbledon title on the line and the World No.1 ranking in his name, Sinner gets another shot to prove he's more than just a challenger - he's ready to conquer.Alcaraz in awe inspiring formSince returning from injury after skipping the Madrid Open, Carlos Alcaraz has been nothing short of unstoppable. He's racked up 24 consecutive wins, clinching titles at the Italian Open, French Open, and Queen's Club (HSBC Championships) - and now, he's one win away from a historic Wimbledon three-peat.If he pulls it off, Alcaraz will join an elite club of legends - Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic - as only the fifth man to win three straight titles at the All England Club.advertisementHe's also riding a 20-match winning streak at Wimbledon. And guess who was the last player to beat him there? Jannik Sinner. Their only meeting on grass came in the 2022 pre-quarters, where Sinner took down Alcaraz in four sets: 6-1, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.But fast forward to now, and the tables have turned. With Alcaraz in sizzling form, he may just hold the edge - though Sinner knows what it takes to beat him on this very surface.Advantage Alcaraz on Sunday?Despite winning their last five meetings, Alcaraz isn't taking anything for granted heading into the Wimbledon final. He downplayed any perceived advantage over his Italian rival, acknowledging that Sinner is a quick learner - someone who will no doubt bring the lessons from their French Open showdown into Sunday's clash.'Not at all to be honest. What Jannik has is because he learned from everything, like the huge champion he is. From the losses. From the matches he's playing. He just gets better after every match and every day,' Alcaraz said in the press conference after beating Taylor Fritz.advertisement'I'm pretty sure he's gonna take a lot of things from the French Open final. He's gonna be better physically and mentally. He's gonna be prepared on Sunday to give his 100 per cent. I'm not thinking I have an advantage mentally because of that match,' Alcaraz added.For Alcaraz, his last two Wimbledon finals - both against Novak Djokovic - couldn't have been more different. In 2023, he had to dig deep to survive a five-set thriller; in 2024, he dismantled the Serbian legend in straight sets. This year's final brings a fresh challenge in Jannik Sinner. And while recent history tilts in Alcaraz's favour, Sinner is not a player to be taken lightly - not now, not ever.- Ends