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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have continued to set the pace on the ATP Tour in 2026, much as they did throughout last season.
Between them, they split all four Grand Slam titles in both 2024 and 2025, underlining just how far ahead of the pack they’ve pulled.
Alcaraz kept that trend going by claiming this year’s Australian Open, while Sinner looks well-placed to add his name to the list of Roland Garros winners.
With Alcaraz sidelined from Paris due to a wrist injury, Sinner’s path has opened up even further. A win there would not only boost his major tally but also complete his career Grand Slam.
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Adriano Panatta sides with Alcaraz over Sinner at 100%
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Panatta said: “When Alcaraz plays at 100%, he beats Sinner because he has a few more inventive moves. But tennis isn’t just about peak performances: on average, Jannik is superior.
“I say: Alcaraz’s forehand, Sinner’s backhand, Sinner’s serve today, Alcaraz’s volley and drop shot, Alcaraz’s movements.
“But in Monte Carlo, on clay, Sinner won. It’s hard to make any predictions against those two: when you do, you risk being immediately proven wrong.
“Alcaraz reminds me of Lew Hoad, who some consider the best ever: on a good day, he was unbeatable.”
Adriano Panatta was impressed by Jannik Sinner’s hunger to get better
There’s no question that Alcaraz vs Sinner is the sport’s top rivalry at the moment, with the Spaniard holding a narrow edge.
Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 10-7, although Sinner won their most recent clash in the Monte Carlo Masters final.
Digging deeper into their differences, Panatta remarked: “Carlos struck me when he said that, without [Juan Carlos] Ferrero, he can finally make decisions.
“He clearly suffered from it. He traded the risk of a few more defeats for freedom. I’m like him.”
“But calling Sinner a mechanic is unfair. I admire his desire to improve: every day, he dedicates himself to filling the gaps.”
“It’s rare, believe me: usually, you practice the things you already know how to do well. Not Jannik.”
Sinner’s steady rise isn’t just down to his physical skills. His drive to get better has played a big part in his rise to World No 1.
Sinner heads into Rome as one of the clear favourites, and given what we’ve seen over the last couple of years, there is little reason to doubt him.
The focus then shifts quickly to Roland Garros after Rome wraps up. The field opens up this year with Alcaraz missing out through injury.
Last year’s final was an absolute thriller, with Alcaraz beating Sinner in five sets after nearly five and a half hours on court—a match many called their most exciting yet.
Read more:
- Jannik Sinner responds to Alexander Zverev’s post‑Madrid remarks
- Jannik Sinner sets the record straight on the Italian Open after Madrid Open win
- Madrid Open defeat sparks honest assessment from Alexander Zverev about Roland Garros
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