Simone Vagnozzi, one of Jannik Sinner’s coaches, has made a surprising and candid admission, stating that Carlos Alcaraz was “better” than Sinner “psychologically, physically, and tennis-wise” during their recent US Open final clash. The revealing comments shed light on the intensely competitive rivalry between the two young tennis superstars, particularly after Alcaraz reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking from Sinner following his victory.
Vagnozzi’s Candid Assessment of Alcaraz’s Superiority
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Simone Vagnozzi, who coaches Sinner alongside Darren Cahill, offered a blunt assessment of the US Open final where Alcaraz defeated the then-world No. 1 Sinner with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. Vagnozzi stated, “The loss in New York, in my opinion, isn’t that surprising. At that point, Carlos was better than Jannik psychologically, physically, and tennis-wise.”
This admission comes despite Sinner’s strong performance throughout the year, having won two Grand Slams and consistently reaching finals. Vagnozzi emphasized that while Sinner is doing “extraordinary things,” the focus remains on continuous improvement. Following the defeat, Sinner himself acknowledged being “too predictable” and expressed a willingness to adapt his game, even if it meant risking more losses in the short term.
The Intense Sinner-Alcaraz Rivalry: A Defining Era
The rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, affectionately dubbed “Sincaraz” by media and fans, has rapidly become the most compelling narrative in men’s tennis. They have faced each other 15 times since 2021, with Alcaraz currently leading the head-to-head 10-5, including a 2-1 lead in major finals. Their dominance is undeniable, with the two splitting the last eight major titles and winning ten of the last thirteen, dating back to the 2022 US Open.
In 2025 alone, they have contested two Masters 1000 finals and all three Grand Slam finals. Alcaraz’s recent US Open triumph marked his sixth major title, while Sinner holds four. Their matches are frequently hailed as classics, with the 2025 French Open final, which Alcaraz won after saving match points, being lauded as one of the greatest ever.
Darren Cahill’s Perspective on Mutual Motivation
Darren Cahill, Sinner’s other renowned coach, has frequently spoken about the unique dynamic of the rivalry. While not as direct in his recent comparisons as Vagnozzi, Cahill has consistently highlighted how the two players push each other to greater heights. He noted that Alcaraz’s earlier breakthrough motivated Sinner to enhance his professionalism and physicality, dedicating significant time to strengthen his body for five-set Grand Slam matches.
Cahill has also expressed immense respect for Alcaraz, calling him an “amazing young man.” He observes that both Sinner and Alcaraz are “very alike in many, many ways,” sharing a deep determination to succeed. After Sinner’s victory over Alcaraz in the 2025 Wimbledon final, Cahill praised the quality of their matches, stating the rivalry is “amazing already” and “can get better with both these players pushing each other.”
Implications for Sinner’s Future and Adaptation
Sinner’s own post-US Open comments about his predictability and willingness to evolve underscore the team’s commitment to refining his game. This proactive approach is critical in a rivalry where both players are constantly analyzing and adapting. Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, revealed meticulous 15-day preparation camps specifically focused on exploiting Sinner’s game on hard courts ahead of the US Open final, indicating the level of strategic depth involved.
The collaboration between Vagnozzi and Cahill has been instrumental in Sinner’s meteoric rise to the top of men’s tennis, transforming him into a consistent major contender. Their continued guidance, coupled with Sinner’s dedication, suggests a concerted effort to address any tactical or physical disparities going forward.
Looking Ahead: More Battles on the Horizon
Tennis fans will eagerly anticipate the next showdown between these two titans. While Alcaraz chose to skip the Shanghai Masters, preventing an immediate rematch, both players are signed up for the Paris Masters at the end of the month. They have also qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin, and their respective nations, Spain and Italy, could potentially meet in the Davis Cup Finals at the end of the season. The “Sincaraz” rivalry is far from over, and Vagnozzi’s honest appraisal only adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an era-defining battle in tennis.
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