Jim Courier says what Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner do that’s just like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova

Add as preferred source on Google

Jim Courier has made a bold claim about the level of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry already, comparing it to one of the very best tennis has ever seen.

However, given the frequency with which they are already meeting and the stature of the matches they are competing in, too, it’s a fair claim to already start making.

It seems unthinkable that just nine months ago, this duo had never met in a Grand Slam final. Now, it almost seems like a formality.

And yet, the friendly nature of their rivalry remains, despite inflicting some of each other’s most crushing losses to date.

Courier, speaking about the good-natured energy exerted by this pair, explained how they are now following in the footsteps of two WTA legends.

Jim Courier compares Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry to ‘the greatest ever’

Live on Tennis Channel, he delivered his thoughts last night on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s decision to practice together before the ATP Finals began.

Whilst for some that seems totally odd, especially given they were bound to meet again in the final, Courier argued it is not as uncommon as some might think, drawing comparisons to the great rivalry shared by Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova many years ago.

He argued: “Well, I see Chrissy and Martina used to do that, you know, the greatest rivalry ever in women’s tennis.

“They used to practice a bunch, so I don’t think it is as uncommon as you would expect, but it does say a lot about them that they will do that, and I think it’s just the dominance they’ve displayed this year every single time that both of them were in the draw, one of them won that tournament. No one’s getting through both of them this year. Didn’t happen.”

Sinner sent a heartwarming message to Alcaraz on court after winning the title last night, which only solidified the admiration shared between the two.

Carlos Alcaraz on his relationship with Jannik Sinner

Alcaraz and Sinner have both been quizzed about the nature of their relationship for years now, as an amicable and even friendly rivalry.

After each loss to one another, they are glowing in their praise of their great opponent. The overwhelming mutual respect is evident for all to see.

Asked after their most recent match at the ATP Finals whether he would call the Spaniard his friend, Sinner gave an intriguing answer. He admitted: “You have your more favourite not players but friends in the locker room. You talk a bit in different ways.

“Of course, I believe that Carlos has great friends and I have great friends, too. You tend to go a bit more in the national team because it’s normal. You spend more time with Italians.

“I do have also other players I feel very close to: Jack Draper, Reilly Opelka, these kind of friendships. I feel they’re honest and you can get along very well.

“But with Carlos it is also a bit different because of on-court reasons. We have a very good relationship, rivalry, call it however. I feel like we can talk about everything still. I think it’s great. We are good friends off the court. We do respect each other in a very healthy way. Also the teams, my team, get along very well with them. I think it’s a good harmony.”