Latest news with #AlcarazSinner
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Prince William, Kate and kids watch the men's singles final from the Royal Box at Wimbledon
Prince William, Princess Kate and two of their kids have settled into the Royal Box at Wimbledon for this afternoon's men's singles final. The beaming family waved to fans as they landed in SW19 on Sunday for the showdown match between Italian Jannik Sinner, 23, and Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 22. Tipped to be an all-time classic final, Kate and Wills, both 43, are watching on from the Royal Box as the top two players in the world battle it out in front of a packed Centre Court crowd of 15,000, The Sun reports. They have been joined by two of their three children, George, 11, and Charlotte, 10 – for the game. The family stepped into the Royal Box shortly before the start of the hotly-anticipated match, greeting and smiling to other attendees. Thousands of fans rose to their feet to applaud the royals as they took their seats at the front of the Royal Box. Alcaraz will target a third successive Wimbledon title as Sinner aims to win the All England Club crown for the first time in the latest enthralling chapter of their burgeoning rivalry. Just five weeks after Alcaraz staged one of the all-time great fightbacks to beat Sinner in a classic French Open final, the pair bring their battle for supremacy to Wimbledon's hallowed Centre Court on Sunday. Alcaraz and Sinner have shared seven of the past eight Grand Slams between them, evenly splitting the six on offer since the start of 2024. The tennis world has been captivated by the emergence of the new rivalry after the storied era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz is the flashy showman who has stolen the hearts of the Centre Court crowd, while world number one Sinner is Djokovic 2.0 – a ruthlessly efficient operator who rarely misses. Two-time defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz will start as the marginal favourite on Sunday but knows he has to bring his best to keep Sinner at bay. The Spanish world number two has won eight of his 12 matches against his Italian rival, including the past five. Their most recent clash was in last month's phenomenal five-and-a-half hour French Open final, when Alcaraz rallied from two sets down and saved three match points to defend his clay-court title. The 22-year-old, who has five majors under his belt, is on a career-best winning run of 24 matches and is unbeaten at the All England Club since 2022. But three-time Grand Slam winner Sinner, playing his first Wimbledon final, will take heart from the fact that he was the last man to beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon, in the fourth round three years ago. The Spaniard, who beat US fifth seed Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals, does not believe his remarkable comeback in Paris gives him the mental edge. 'I'm pretty sure he's going to take a lot of things from the French Open final,' he said. 'He's going to be better physically, he's going to be better mentally. He's going to be prepared to give 100 per cent.' Both men have shown vulnerabilities during their runs to the final. Alcaraz was taken to five sets in his opener against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini and has dropped sets in three of his other matches. Sinner, 23, was rock solid for three rounds but had an almighty scare – and a huge slice of luck – when his fourth-round opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, retired when leading by two sets. But he swept past US 10th seed Ben Shelton in straight sets and demolished an under-par Djokovic in the semi-finals.
Times
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Times
Can anyone stop the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner?
The French Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner made it abundantly clear, if it wasn't already, that we are now living through a new era of men's tennis. They stand atop the sport not only as the protagonists in a blossoming rivalry, but also partners in a burgeoning duopoly. Between them, they have now shared the past six grand-slam men's singles titles, and in that year and a half decisively separated themselves from the pack. The gap in ranking points between second and third is nearly as large as that between third and eighth. At the French Open, Sinner didn't drop a set en route to the final, handling even Novak Djokovic with ease, and Alcaraz lost only one, to Lorenzo Musetti. The level they produced in that epic final was dizzyingly high. For a sport that was holding its breath as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rode into the sunset, wondering what would come next and if anything could ever compare, the Sinner-Alcaraz supremacy feels like a long-awaited answer. But it also raises a question. Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 22, are strong favourites to meet in the Wimbledon final two weeks from now. Federer and Nadal in their pomp, between 2005 and 2007, once shared 11 consecutive grand-slam titles in a row. Right now, you wouldn't bet against Sinner and Alcaraz matching that streak. At the moment it's hard to imagine anyone beating them to one of the sport's major trophies. But sooner or later, someone will. Who? And when? Let's start with the obvious name, not so much the elephant in the room as the GOAT. Djokovic, even at 38 years old, even having slipped to No6 in the rankings, even with his powers somewhat on the wane, is still the clear third-favourite for this Wimbledon and probably any other grand-slam tournament he cares to enter in the near future. He is still, of course, a formidable player, and it was only 11 months ago that he played quite masterfully in beating Alcaraz in the Olympic final. And yet time is ticking. Djokovic is already two years older than Federer and Nadal were when they won their final major titles; indeed, he is a year older than any male grand-slam champion of the open era. There is no precedent for a man winning a major so deep into their fourth decade, and as the old saying has it, Father Time is undefeated. With every tournament that passes, Djokovic's already narrow window closes a little further. Could he be the man to disrupt Sinner and Alcaraz's streak? Of course. But he's going to have to get on with it. In theory, Wimbledon should represent his best chance. The points are shorter on grass, so negotiating seven best-of-five-set matches ought to be less taxing. The two young hotshots are still relatively inexperienced on this surface — they have both played only 32 ATP Tour-level matches on it — and Sinner in particular seems to still be finding his grass legs. Over the past ten years Djokovic's win percentage at Wimbledon is better than at any other grand-slam event: 92.8 per cent, compared with 92.4 per cent at the Australian Open, 89.8 per cent at Roland Garros, and 88.8 per cent at the US Open. Speaking on the eve of this year's tournament, Djokovic said he viewed Wimbledon as his best chance, 'because of the results I've had, because of how I feel, how I play at Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and the motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level'. But if Djokovic doesn't win his 25th grand-slam title here — and he didn't take a set off Alcaraz in last year's final — his chance may have gone. Who would then be the likeliest candidate? A Martian landing on Earth knowing nothing about tennis might well say: what about the world No3? And indeed, Alexander Zverev has to be in the conversation. He's an Olympic gold medallist and three-times grand-slam finalist. He's 28, so has plenty of years left in him, and at 6ft 6in the German certainly has the physical weapons. His record against Sinner and Alcaraz is actually pretty good: he has played each of them four times at majors, beating both men twice. And yet, at the very biggest moments of his career, Zverev has seemed to be held back by his own frailties. In his latter two grand-slam finals, against Alcaraz at last year's French Open and Sinner at this year's Australian Open, the belief seemed to drain out of him at crucial moments. He lost his first final, against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open, from two sets up. It takes a certain something to win a major — call it moxie, champion mentality, competitive edge — and until Zverev proves that he has it, the suspicion will linger that he does not. Zverev is part of a generational wave of male players — those born in the 1990s — who have underperformed to an extraordinary degree. Between them, they have accounted for only two grand-slam titles, won by Thiem (now sadly retired) and Daniil Medvedev. And it wouldn't be a huge surprise if that number remained at two in perpetuity. Medvedev, 29, can still turn it on in the big arenas, as he showed in beating Sinner in last year's Wimbledon quarter-final, but he's not the force he once was. Likewise, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas feel like sometime contenders who are getting further away, not closer. Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul are admirable players, but neither strikes you as a potential grand-slam winner. So, what about the next wave: the early-Noughties kids, Sinner and Alcaraz's rough contemporaries? In the vanguard of this group of challengers, the rankings would suggest, are Britain's Jack Draper, Musetti, and the Dane Holger Rune. Draper's improvement over the past year or so has been remarkable, with his physical maturation exemplified by the fact that, having lost two of his first four meetings with Alcaraz by retirement, Draper came back to win a sapping three-set semi-final in Indian Wells in March this year. The 23-year-old has also won his only encounters with Sinner and Alcaraz on grass. Could he reprise the role Sir Andy Murray played during the 'big three' years: pertinacious gatecrasher of the picnic of the gods? Musetti has a swoon-worthy and intermittently devastating one-handed backhand and is perhaps the third-best player on clay right now: the 23-year-old Italian was pushing Alcaraz hard in that Roland Garros semi-final before he got injured. Rune has plateaued a bit since beating five top-ten players to win the Paris Masters in 2022 as a 19-year-old, and hasn't reached the quarter-finals of any of the previous seven grand-slam tournaments. Any of these players could make a leap, but if they're standing across the net from Sinner or Alcaraz in their first major final (the big two have played four and five respectively), they will do so as a heavy underdog. Ultimately, of course, Federer and Nadal's streak was interrupted by Djokovic: a younger man who emerged as the new kid on the block and turned out to be not just their interloper, but also their equal. Might someone come along to repeat that story? The most compelling auditionees for that part are probably Jakub Mensik, the 19-year-old Czech who is the youngest player in the top 50, or the meteorically rising 18-year-old João Fonseca, a Brazilian whose 'easy power' has had Andre Agassi awestruck (and whose untamed hair has a hint of early Murray about it). Sinner and Alcaraz may look untouchable, but eventually someone will knock them off their perch: it could be a man born in the 1980s two weeks from now, it could be a kid born in the late 2000s in a few years' time. Right now, though, the ball is in their court, they're rallying back and forth among themselves, and if this point goes on for a while yet, uninterrupted, those of us watching won't complain.
The Independent
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Why Wimbledon is desperate for top billing in the Alcaraz-Sinner arms race
A matter of hours after Friday's draw at Wimbledon, practice sessions were in full swing across the All England Club. Just before 1pm, spotted by an eagle-eyed reporter in the media centre, were the top two players in the men's game: chatting, laughing even, in genuine joviality side-by-side as they walked to their respective courts south of the grounds. It might seem somewhat odd that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were in conversation, in such a relaxed manner, just a few days out from the third Grand Slam of the year. After all, it was only three weeks ago that the Spaniard fought back from the brink to defeat the world No 1 in the final at Roland Garros, winning one of the greatest matches of all time. As such, you'd think Sinner would be sick of the sight of his Spanish adversary. Apparently not. This blossoming, intoxicating rivalry on the court takes place in an environment of impressive mutual respect. In fact, their genuine admiration for one another is as authentic as their will to win on court. Alcaraz, by virtue of his superior head-to-head record over Sinner (8-4 - and Sinner has not beaten him since 2023) and his two previous titles in SW19, is the clear favourite heading into Wimbledon 2025. The Spaniard is on a sensational 18-match winning streak and has not lost a match since 20 April. Unequivocally, he is the man to beat. Yet Sinner's dominance for the vast majority of the five-and-a-half hour epic in Paris should give the Italian a huge amount of confidence and belief, should the pair meet in a fortnight on Centre Court. It is the final showdown that the whole world wants to see again. And Wimbledon is desperate for top billing in the Alcaraz-Sinner arms race. Much has been made in the build-up to this year's Championships of the decision to move the start time of the singles finals from 2pm to 4pm. AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton insists the move is to make sure the 'champions are crowned in front of the widest possible audience.' No doubt the move – which sees the final now take place at a more convenient time of 11am (ET) in New York – has been encouraged by a lucrative American television deal. But it also represents the wider significance of the final being the best of the best, in front of as many eyeballs as possible. After Paris, there's no doubt who those two are. Alcaraz and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic have put on tremendous finals in the last two years, but even the Serb reaching the final this year ahead of Sinner would feel like a let-down, such was the captivation of the French Open showpiece. In this regard, the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry evokes memories of Roger Federer's battles with Rafael Nadal. Their showdowns in major finals took place across all surfaces, in the final of Australia (twice), Roland Garros (four times) and Wimbledon (three times). The height of their rivalry was the 2006-2008 period, in which they squared off at Roland Garros and Wimbledon three years running, with the crescendo of that sensational 2008 final in near-darkness. Wimbledon would be desperate for an equivalent contest as the sun sets on 13 July. It is not the only way the two rivalries are alike; their contrasting playing styles made for tremendous matchups. 'Off the court, we are quite similar,' Sinner said, last year, of Alcaraz. 'On the court, we are different. 'He is the one who brings the firepower, the hotshots, he involves the crowd. He's a bit different. I am more the solid player, quite calm. It's like fire and ice a bit, but it's a nice combination.' From a British perspective, the only exception to the Alcaraz-Sinner final narrative is the explosive emergence of Jack Draper, who enters his home Slam at a career-high number four in the world. The 23-year-old's progression in the last 12 months has been astonishing; he has focused on marginal gains, such as employing a breathing coach in Ann Coxhead, and devoting all aspects of his life to the sport. As he rather bluntly summed up on Saturday: 'I suppose it's just been growing up.' So, can Draper follow in Andy Murray's footsteps – in the first Wimbledon since the Scot's retirement – and win the sport's most prestigious tournament? He's been dealt a tough hand in Friday's draw, with major winner Marin Cilic and the in-form Alexander Bublik (who beat him in Roland Garros) all potentially lying in wait in rounds two and three. Even if he can navigate those tasks, he's seeded to play Djokovic in the quarter-finals. As daunting a challenge as that would be, it will tell us a huge amount about Draper's mentality and future potential if he is able to reach the latter stages, with the home crowd right behind him along the way. Onwards we go then to Monday, when Alcaraz opens up proceedings on Centre Court in what should be a fun encounter against journeyman Italian maverick Fabio Fognini. The Spaniard could face Oliver Tarvet, the British No 33 and world No 719 in what would be a dream occasion for the San Diego University player, in round two. Overall, there are 13 Brits in the men's draw, with an all-British clash between Dan Evans and Jay Clarke in round one worth keeping an eye on too. The winner would be set to face Djokovic. Yet beyond the home wild cards, the compelling narrative remains the top two. Sinner actually beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon three years ago over four sets in the fourth round, when the pair were just emerging onto the world stage. It means Sinner was the last man to beat Alcaraz at the All England Club. And, to a large degree, it feels very much like the Italian is the only man who can stand in the way of the Alcaraz three-peat.
The Independent
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner rivalry ‘amazing for tennis', says Jack Draper
British number one Jack Draper believes the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be crucial if tennis is to regain the spotlight shone on it during the Federer-Nadal era. Last weekend's epic Roland Garros final – won by the Spaniard, who came from two sets down to defend his title in a French Open record five-hour, 29-minute marathon – enraptured audiences, pushing viewing figures to new heights for broadcaster Warner Bros Discovery. Draper, the second seed at Queen's this week and entering at a career-high world number four, acknowledges everyone in the game benefits when the sport's biggest names are playing at their captivating best. 'I think tennis is in a really good spot in a way that the depth of it, especially the top 100, is extremely strong,' said Draper, who has been drawn against American Jenson Brooksby in the first round. 'Everyone is so good (but) maybe five, 10 years ago, maybe the top 10 or the top 20 was a bit more stacked. 'But having those two guys especially, who were being incredibly consistent showing that level of the game, in one of the biggest tournaments in the world, and dragging more attention to the sport, that only helps them, helps players like myself, helps the game in general to keep on moving in the right direction and keep developing. 'Obviously the spectators will feel it, but players will feel it as well. When we haven't got a Rafa (Nadal) or Roger (Federer) or Andy (Murray) in the changing rooms it's a bit different, but having players who are asserting themselves in that league, I think that's amazing for tennis. 'That's going to hopefully break even more through, because they're going to keep on improving. They're going to make us better, and we are going to hopefully keep producing more and more great players and great levels.' Unlike world number two Alcaraz, who treated himself to a post-French Open holiday in Ibiza, Draper has laid low at home in the UK following his disappointing fourth-round defeat to Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik – and watched the final from the comfort of his flat. Alcaraz said his team were '100 per cent' behind his island break, admitting his accomplishment in Paris was still settling in as he prepares to open his grass-court campaign against compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina as the first seed at Queen's, where he was defeated by Draper last year. The 22-year-old, who won the tournament on debut in 2023, said: 'The phone, the media, everywhere, is so in that a lot of videos from that match, from that moment, match point down and I still watch it sometimes, and I still don't believe that I come back from that moment. 'So sometimes it's difficult to realise that I'm in this position, that I won the French Open, watching the videos from 40-love, in that moment. So I'm still watching those videos.' And while he could not pick a favourite between his maiden French Open victory last year and his title defence, the Spaniard said: 'The first one is always there. It's always special. It's gonna be always in your heart. 'And this one, the second one, a lot of people told me that it was the best final they have ever seen.'
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
TNT Draws Record-Breaking Numbers for Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz French Open Wins
TOPSHOT - US Coco Gauff kisses the trophy after winning her women's singles final match against ... More Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 of The French Open tennis tournament on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on June 7, 2025. (Photo by Alain JOCARD / AFP) (Photo by ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images) TNT hit it out of the park in its inaugural year covering the French Open. Buoyed by spectacular victories this past weekend by Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz, TNT Sports announced record-breaking audience and engagement numbers across TNT, truTV, Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. Saturday's come-from-behind victory for World No. 2 Coco Gauff over No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka delivered 1.5 million average viewers across TNT and truTV, up 94% vs. 2024, and was the most watched Roland Garros women's singles final since 2016. TNT Sports' coverage of the match drove massive increases across key demos, including up 105% among P25-54 vs. 2024. Sunday's men's singles final between No. 2 Alcaraz and No. 1 Jannik Sinner — at five hours and 29 minutes, the longest Final in Roland-Garros history — peaked at 2.6 million viewers at 2:30 p.m. ET and averaged 1.8 million average viewers across TNT and truTV for the entire telecast, up 8% vs. 2024. It was the most watched Roland Garros men's singles final since 2021. The Alcaraz/Sinner match also drove a 16% increase among P25-54 viewers vs. 2024. '3 winners in Paris today. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and the beautiful game of tennis," Roger Federer Tweeted Sunday. Overall viewership for TNT's Roland Garros coverage throughout the two-week event was up 25% vs. last year. The network's 'Dream Team' of announcers included John and Patrick McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, Mary Joe Fernandez, Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams, among others. TNT said there were more than 800+ million video views across its collective social platforms and delivered the most socially viewed tennis tournament by a media partner ever.
