As on other occasions, with the usual chivalry, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz merged in an embrace that sealed an explosive and fair fight: two thousand dollars each, number one for one and the master’s crown (again) for the other. Definitely right. Hand in hand, both have taken tennis towards explored terrain, but perhaps not at the levels set today by a couple with no weaknesses who stand out from the others for their intensity. That’s the key, they say. Fixed gear from start to finish. Rarely have we seen fights as prolonged, balanced and sophisticated as this one, which was ultimately resolved in favor of the Italian. A wonderful 2025.
Aperitif, apparently. “I am satisfied with my performance. He is a great player, who has not lost on this type of court for a long time. Every match against him is a struggle and today he defeated me. I want to congratulate him. Now it is time to rest and next year I ask you to be prepared again, Jannik, because I will be. We will come back stronger,” said Alcaraz, who dominates the saga – 10-6, in global terms – and closes the season with more victories (71). and trophies (8) that no one, without reproach, has known how Sinner spends his time in this context – 31 consecutive victories in indoorthe fifth historic series of consecutive victories after the 32 obtained by Ivan Lendl between 1980 and 1983—.
In any case, San Candido has the last laugh, with more than enough reasons to be happy because, analyzed in perspective, this year it managed to overcome two very delicate circumstances. He reacted at Wimbledon to the beating he received at Roland Garros, where he wasted three championship balls, and now he does so in a territory where he apparently couldn’t fail, after the bitter aftertaste of the US Open. If Alcaraz had won in Turin, the message for 2026 would have been direct, strong and, ultimately, above all, harmful to his spirit. However, he regains his composure and it will be the Spaniard himself who will soon have to propose alternatives, to the benefit of a rivalry that continues to grow chapter after chapter.
Now both have 24 laurels and are looking forward to the next event, Australia. This is very different from the Masters Cup, a terrain that Sinner has made his own with an unquestionable authority reminiscent of those times when Novak Djokovic was little less than unbeatable indoors. The Serbian (38 years old) is now a third in the running, waiting to see if one or the other will fail; They rarely do it and tennis relishes it. It wasn’t the best duel in Turin, but at times it was tense, exciting; opted for the rhythm. Alcaraz didn’t hit that ball in the first set (the opponent didn’t let him) and the development didn’t allow him to grow. Supported by his serve, with averages much higher than those recorded at the US Open, the Italian completed a spectacular performance.
Against time
“It was an incredible week,” Sinner said. “But I want to congratulate Carlos. He deserved the number one”, continued the locker room before the retreat, where Alcaraz explained to his team his feelings after the physical accident suffered in the first round. In the next few days he will compete with Spain in the Davis Cup, but his leg has put him on guard. “Tomorrow I will go to Bologna”, he confirmed. “I’m not hurt or screwed. It was a spectacular tournament, from the least to the most; you have to have courage to be in the final of the Masters Cup.” Now, physiotherapy against time. Finally, six dates between the two this year, with 4-2 in their favor and a very grateful third: tennis. What would it be without the two of them? Long live the saga, a true blessing.
Once the ATP circuit has concluded, the blinds will be definitively lowered in the national team competition, in which Spain will debut on Thursday against the Czech Republic. This Monday Alcaraz will join the expedition, led by David Ferrer and completed with the infantry – Jaume Munar, Pedro Martínez, Pablo Carreño -, as well as a luxury doubles player called Marcel Granollers. In the atmosphere, a concern: that risk. “Maybe there are moments when I can act crazy, in the sense of running towards impossible balls and slipping; this obviously limited me, but beyond that, I was able to play normally, move with strength, reach supports well to be able to come out strong,” he indicated; “Will it hurt me for Bologna? I don’t think so. Or at least I hope so.”
Once again at the top, Alcaraz greatly appreciates what has been achieved. Form and substance: “It was a brilliant year, but beyond the victories and titles, I still have personal growth.” The one from El Palmar insists on the complexity of beating Sinner on his court, and greets with the complete x-ray: “It is very difficult to read his serve and the directions are very good. He makes the first shot after the serve and gets into an offensive position very easily. The consistency he has, point after point, gives you a little more anxiety; you have to be at that level, or even more. And the fact that he is always there, there and there is what makes him unstoppable.”
EVOLUTION: SERVICE, VOLLEY AND WRIST
CA | Turin
In recent days Sinner confirmed that he left New York with lessons well learned and ready to implement a shock plan. He demanded of himself to evolve, to add records, and according to the facts he succeeded. Today he is a better tennis player than yesterday. Bolder and less narrow.
In the final against Alcaraz, several nuances were revealed. From the beginning two delicious (and unusual) drop shots that break the point and the Spaniard, always a greyhound, fails to arrive; that is, they must be very precise. This boldness was also reflected at the net, where he showed more determination and success in volleying.
And above all their service has improved significantly in the fall. Specifically, significantly between September and November. From one final to the next, from New York to Turin, a notable change both in effectiveness – from 58% in the epilogue of the US Open to 70.4% in the Italian – and in productivity with first serves: he retained 83% of the points, compared to only 57% two months ago.
