Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have already forged one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history, but their relationship is far from one of animosity.
After all, whilst some great rivalries of the past have devolved into petty frustration, these two contemporary superstars have risen above it.
They are not friends, but are as close to it as possible whilst still pushing each other and causing one another the greatest heartbreaks.
This relationship is one born of great mutual respect, and Carlos Alcaraz has reinforced that notion with his latest message to Jannik Sinner after the Miami Open.
Carlos Alcaraz’s message for Jannik Sinner after Miami
Having lost in the semi-finals in Indian Wells and suffered a shock early exit in Miami, the Spaniard had little skin in the game when it came to the Sunshine swing.
So, it would not have bothered him too much to have seen Sinner claim both titles, thus completing the Sunshine Double.
Is Jannik Sinner now the best server on the ATP Tour?
He won 18 points in a row on serve vs Jiri Lehecka…
Many might have theorised that the seven-time major champion would be jealous of this accolade, given it’s one he is yet to achieve. However, he has instead taken to his Instagram story, writing: “Congratulations @janniksin and team for winning the Sunshine Double!”
He didn’t need to publicly praise his rival on his story, but clearly wanted the world to know that he could appreciate Sinner’s great triumphs, whilst also wanting to beat him whenever possible.
How far is Jannik Sinner from Carlos Alcaraz in the world rankings?
What might worry Alcaraz is how close Sinner now is to him in the world rankings, after the new ATP top-ten was published after Miami.
It showed no direct movement between the top two, but in terms of points, they are now dangerously close.
What’s even more worrying for the current world number one is the fact that he has over 4,000 ranking points to defend between now and the end of Roland Garros, whilst Sinner has just 1,950 to defend.
Who do you think will retire with more Grand Slam titles?
The Italian is just 1,190 points behind Alcaraz, and will be the huge favourite to overtake him in the coming months.
