Ahead of a potential Indian Wells meeting between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Paul Annacone has shared his verdict on the ATP duo.
Annacone currently coaches American ace Taylor Fritz, having previously worked with legendary figure Roger Federer.
Alcaraz and Sinner could play each other at Indian Wells, ahead of which Annacone has discussed their thrilling rivalry on the ATP Tour.
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Paul Annacone says Carlos Alcaraz is better than Jannik Sinner
As quoted by Tennis Channel, Annacone said: “Up until Sinner lost to Novak [Djokovic, at the Australian Open], I would have argued that maybe he is the one pulling away, because he was playing less but winning more.
“So in fairness it’s a little early to say Alcaraz is pulling away. We’re probably a major or two away from saying that.”
He added: “Sinner needs to be true to his MO and stick with what he does best while still building a little bit of the things he’s been talking about. That will be challenging, though.
“My own opinion is that if the men play their absolute best, Alcaraz is just better. He does more things well, and more dangerously.”
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Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz career stats ahead of Indian Wells
Annacone’s verdict is certainly backed up by the current form of the duo, but also their ATP head-to-head.
Alcaraz has won both the Australian Open and Qatar Open this year, at which Sinner lost in the semifinals and quarterfinals respectively.
The two superstars have met each other 16 times in their stunning careers, with Alcaraz boasting 10 wins compared to Sinner’s six.
The Spaniard is also a career Grand Slam champion, winning seven of his eight finals, while the Italian has won four of his six.
Sinner can, however, join Alcaraz in completing the career Grand Slam later this year by winning the French Open.
| Carlos Alcaraz | Jannik Sinner | |
| 24 | Age | 22 |
| 1 | Career-high rank | 1 |
| 328 – 88 | Win/loss | 292 – 65 |
| 24 | Titles | 26 |
| $57,544,926 | Prize money | $63,333,776 |
While the Spanish star is the more in-form player right now, the pair have been dominating men’s tennis together for some time.
They have combined to win each of the last nine Grand Slam titles, splitting the honors in both 2024 and 2025.
Alcaraz has definitely made a more rapid start to the current season, but Sinner cannot, of course, be ruled out of returning to big success imminently.
