With the final of the Masters Cup on Sunday not only did the tennis season on the ATP circuit end, but it did so in the best way possible: with a new confrontation between the two best players of the moment.
In an intense final, Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4) and 7-5. The match and, consequently, the score was always very balanced, especially in the first set. A good proof of this is that Sinner had no breaking balls, while Carlos only had one, which he could not take advantage of. This fact is a small mistake on the part of the Spaniards in playoff It tipped the scales in favor of the Italian in that first round. In the second set both players lost a bit of order. After an irregular first game from the Italian, it was Carlos who, with some inaccuracies, was unable to maintain the initial advantage.
For the rest, the match maintained the same usual tone as previous matches: intense and powerful exchanges from the baseline that kept the spectators in a permanent state of admiration. I don’t know if there is another possible strategy between them. Trying to interrupt your opponent’s rhythm with slower balls, drops or lifts to the net will leave them too exposed to a devastating blow from the other. As often happens in these brilliant yet bitter rivalries, the victory went to whoever was more precise and calm in the decisive moments.
Although Carlos failed to win, he had an exceptional year: two Grand Slam titles, in Paris and New York; three victories in Masters 1000 tournaments and three minor tournaments. All this allowed him to close 2025 as number one in the world. However, its main rival’s annual exercise also provides great reading. Sinner played in four Grand Slam finals, winning the other two that Carlos didn’t, Australia and Wimbledon. And, in addition to this last masters tournament, he won two minors and the Masters 1000 in Paris. It should also be taken into account that, due to the sanction received, he was unable to participate in four of the nine Masters 1000s on the circuit and had to withdraw due to injury in two others.
Even so, I believe we would be unfairly inferior if in this entire list of trophies won we did not recognize both tennis players for their commitment and constant fight in every match, as well as their iron will to perfect their game day after day.
In recent months we have seen a notable progression in the Murcia player’s serve, which has increased both speed and effectiveness. And in the case of Sinner the improvement in service was even more evident. Suffice it to say that in the five matches played in this last tournament he only conceded one break. To this we must also add the recent incorporation of the short ball into his repertoire and greater effectiveness in his climbs to the net.
Over the course of these months they have once again demonstrated the great equality between them and the great difference they maintain compared to the rest of their contenders. And it doesn’t look like the situation will change for next year. At the moment there is no one who can worry them let alone separate them from that fight because one of them is recognized as the best of each season.
