Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will return to competitive action at the Australian Open, with plenty on the line for both.
Sinner and Alcaraz’s rivalry has seen them dominate Grand Slams, and the Italian could win his third Australian Open title in Melbourne.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, could become the youngest player in tennis history to achieve the Career Grand Slam if he finally wins his first Australian Open crown.
Ahead of the tournament, Alcaraz has been told that he is more appealing to play for other top stars than Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz told he makes more mistakes than Jannik Sinner
Leif Shiras, an American former world number 31, appeared on the Inside-In Tennis Podcast to discuss the first weeks of the new tennis season.
The American opened up about his favourites for the Australian Open, and suggested that top ATP Tour players would rather face Alcaraz than Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz WILL complete the Career Grand Slam before Jannik Sinner – discuss…
“I mean, if you had a choice, who would you rather play, Sinner or Alcaraz? I’d probably want to play Alcaraz because he might make a few mistakes. He might make a few bad decisions.
“Kind of like in the day. Do you want to play Rod Laver or Ken Rosewall? You know, you wanted to play Laver because Rosewall would never miss a ball and never give you anything the entire match.
“Laver could have a bad day, miss a few balls. I think the same way of Alcaraz, although he is one of the all-time greats, but I’d much rather play Alcaraz.
“So, can Bublik beat Alcaraz? I think he could, right? You know, Sinner, I think, is a real problem. He doesn’t miss.”
Sinner lost just twice to players outside of Alcaraz in 2025, not including his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters against Tallon Griekspoor.
Alcaraz picked up several more losses to players ranked below him, including David Goffin and Cameron Norrie.
Carlos Alcaraz begins Australian Open preparations impressively
Alcaraz is yet to show his best tennis at the Australian Open, having only ever reached as far as the quarter-finals.
The world number one is still one of the favourites for the tournament despite his record, and he started his campaign with a flourish.
Who do you think will retire with more Grand Slam titles?
The Spaniard defeated fellow ATP Tour top 10 rival Alex de Minaur in straight sets in an exhibition match on Rod Laver Arena.
The Australian has a wretched record against Alcaraz, having now lost six straight matches to the world number one.
Alcaraz has been drawn against Australian Adam Walton in the first round of the Australian Open, while de Minaur has been given the tough task of an opening round match against Matteo Berrettini.
