As we enter the business end of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, all of the usual suspects it seems, appear to still be in the frame.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one wondering if (what could turn out to be the eventual final), Carlos Alcaraz and Jannick Sinner become the ‘new’ Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (in terms of rivalry), of men’s tennis and entertain for years to come.
As it stands, Sinner is seen as somewhat of a certainty to be in the final, after being drawn against Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime. One would assume that the Italian makes it through unscathed into Sunday’s climax in New York, after impressively beating compatriot Lorenzo Musetti.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, faces Novak Djokovic in what is likely to be a much sterner test. It could well be the Serbian’s last chance at a tennis major tournament title, if he decides to call time on his glittering career in the coming weeks.
The 38-year-old has reached the semi-final of every major this year. After losing to Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open, he then got knocked out by Sinner at Roland Garros (French Open) and then Wimbledon.
This time around, he faces Sinner’s main counterpart – Alcaraz. I personally think he could be facing a similar fate.
If Djokovic can take him past four sets, even that would be a remarkable achievement, though I just don’t think his body can take it at the highest level anymore. Even getting this far is incredible.
Surely An Alcaraz-Sinner Final?
Alcaraz Djokovic Sinner points 2018 to 2025 showing shifting dominance – VVLLAACC, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
I can’t look past another Alcaraz-Sinner final personally. It’s also what I think all of the fans want to see. The pair are both one for one on each other for the year, after Alcaraz beat Sinner in the French Open final, before the Italian took him right to the wire in one of the best Wimbledon men’s finals, arguably since Nadal took Federer to a long tie-break 18 years ago.
Both players are in the form of their career right now and the scary thing is that they will only get better.
The thing is that I don’t expect Sinner to have much difficulty in his semi-final, though, Djokovic could make it hard for the Spaniard. However, Alcaraz would have one day’s rest to recover and prepare.
Personally I can’t call it – I like both players – they’re exceptional and a joy to watch, though if I had a preference I prefer Alcaraz, just slightly – he has that ‘maverick’ touch about him, though he has been prone to the odd mistake.
Whatever happens in the closing stages of the tournament, I can’t think of a better final than Alcaraz-Sinner to bring the curtain down on this year’s tennis majors.