When Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played a record-breaking five-setter at the 2022 US Open, many wondered if we were witnessing all-time great rivalry develop in front of our eyes.
Six months and two more show-stopping matches later, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.
After Sinner beat Alcaraz last year at Wimbledon, Alcaraz answered with a memorable quarterfinal victory in New York that finished at a record-late 2:50 a.m. in Arthur Ashe Stadium. This season, the rivalry has already spanned both U.S. coasts as the pair split meetings in Indian Wells and Miami, Alcaraz winning the first and Sinner claiming the second to level their head-to-head at 3-3.
In their latest encounter, a 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2 win for the Italian on Friday night in South Florida, the competitors played one of the points of the season as both flashed otherworldly skills in both attack and defense before Sinner whipped a backhand past a diving Alcaraz to cap a 25-ball rally. The exchange was emblematic of what makes the blossoming rivalry so special.
"It was unbelievable point. When I lost that point, the first thing that came to my mind is like he's unbeatable, this guy," Alcaraz reflected in his post-match press conference. "We played a great game, I think both [at a] great level... But of course against Jannik is always [capable of playing] great points like this one."
Sinner, who advanced to his second Miami final with the victory, added his perspective shortly after in his own presser.
"It started a little bit with the drop shot, and then after I went cross. Then I went back with the forehand," he said. "At some points I went backhand down the line and he was basically lying down, but he came up so fast. I wanted to go behind him, but he was there. And then after, I tried this shot, because firstly, I wanted to lob him but the ball was too low. So I went cross-court, which was the right choice.
"But still, it was a very physical point. I lost the game after that one. But yeah, as I say, you always need two players to make these kind of points."
The point had the sports world gushing, as does the fast-growing and ever-evolving rivalry between two of the brightest young stars in tennis. After their latest battle, both competitors said they feel they are part of something special, too.
"I feel something different about the crowd when I play against Jannik," the 19-year-old Alcaraz explained. "I think around the world there is probably all the people watching this match because I think it's really beautiful to watch.
"It was an incredible crowd. I felt the energy, the love from the people when I was down. So for me it's unbelievable to have this kind of feeling, this kind of support. For me it's indescribable."
Sinner, 21, echoed the Spaniards thoughts: "I think when both players play tennis like this, it's also very nice to play. You can feel it, no? Also with the crowd, I think that was a great energy with everything.
"It's just nice to be part of these kind of matches, firstly, and secondly, you feel that you have to change always something during the match [in order to win]. I think that was the case today.
"For sure you enjoy it, because it's better to have a match like this than only not so many exchanges. I think here you can see some good tennis."
While both men possess reliable serves, neither one can count on too many free points off their delivery — particularly in this matchup, with such strong returning on the other sides of the net. That, coupled with the unbound athleticism and power both display, gives this rivalry all the ingredients to continue to develop into one for the ages.
And unlike the historic head-to-head between Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal, this is one we've had the privilege of seeing first-hand in New York.
