RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has offered her perspective on the current landscape of men’s tennis, suggesting that while the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is remarkable, a greater variety of champions would make the sport even more compelling for fans. Her comments come as she prepares to defend her title at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Gauff noted the stark contrast between the men’s and women’s tours, where the 2025 WTA season saw four different Grand Slam champions – including herself, Madison Keys, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka. In comparison, Alcaraz and Sinner have collectively claimed the last eight Major trophies, establishing a clear duopoly at the top of the ATP Tour.
Gauff’s Call for More Champions
Speaking ahead of the WTA Finals, Gauff expressed her appreciation for the competitiveness on the women’s side. “I think it’s honestly great to have four different champions. All the girls have had a competitive year across the year,” Gauff stated. “I think that it makes the sport more exciting when there’s multiple chances for something to happen.”
She then directly addressed the situation on the ATP Tour, where Alcaraz and Sinner hold significant leads in the rankings and have consistently dominated the major tournaments. While acknowledging their exceptional talent, Gauff indicated a preference for more diverse outcomes. “Carlos and Jannik are being great. There’s talk about there needing to be a third person to make it more interesting,” she remarked. “I think it’s better to have different champions than the same two. I’m thinking long-term it’s more exciting for me as a fan watching the semis and quarters not knowing who is going to win.”
Gauff clarified that her comments were not intended to “downplay anything,” acknowledging that the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry is “fantastic and exciting for the sport.” However, she believes that from a fan’s perspective, the unpredictability of who will ultimately emerge victorious in the latter stages of tournaments adds a significant layer of excitement.
The Alcaraz-Sinner Phenomenon
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have indeed captivated the tennis world with their electrifying rivalry and consistent high-level play. They have not only split the last eight Grand Slam titles but have also faced each other in the last three major finals. Their performances have led to discussions about a new era of dominance in men’s tennis, reminiscent of past rivalries. Both players are thousands of points ahead of their rivals in the rankings, cementing their status as the top two in the sport.
For example, Alcaraz claimed titles at the French Open and US Open this year, while Sinner triumphed at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. Their matches are often described as high-intensity, tactical battles that showcase the modern game.
A Tale of Two Tours: WTA vs. ATP
The contrast Gauff highlights between the tours is evident in the Grand Slam results of 2025. On the women’s side, Coco Gauff herself secured her second Major title at the French Open, adding to her US Open win in 2023. Madison Keys won the Australian Open, Iga Swiatek claimed Wimbledon, and Aryna Sabalenka secured the US Open. This distribution of major titles underscores the depth and open competition within the WTA.
Gauff’s own successful season includes not only her French Open victory but also a WTA 1000 title in Wuhan, where she defeated Jessica Pegula in the final. As the defending champion at the WTA Finals, Gauff is poised to cap off another strong year, further contributing to the narrative of diverse champions in women’s tennis.
While the “SinCaraz” rivalry is undoubtedly a draw for many, Gauff’s perspective suggests that a broader spread of success could foster an even more engaging experience for long-term fans, allowing more players to “dream of winning” and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end of tournaments. The question of whether a third contender will emerge to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner’s stronghold remains a key point of interest for the future of men’s tennis.
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