The tennis world has been captivated by the seemingly unstoppable rise of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have collectively claimed the last seven Grand Slam titles. Their dominance has even astonished former US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who admitted that “no one expected that two such champions would emerge immediately after the Big 3” (referring to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic). While Thiem, among others, marvels at their prowess, a closer look at the sport suggests that while they are undeniably a step ahead of their current opponents, winning every major title remains an improbable feat.
The Unprecedented Rise of Sinner and Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have become the undisputed leaders of the men’s tour since the start of the 2024 season. Their shared haul of the last seven Grand Slams underscores their exceptional skill and formidable presence. Sinner secured victories at the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025, the 2024 US Open, and the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. Alcaraz, on the other hand, triumphed at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025, as well as Wimbledon in 2024. Their matches are often described as balanced and spectacular, pushing the sport to another dimension with their impressive speed and movement. The recent Roland Garros final between them was even hailed as one of the greatest and longest finals in the tournament’s history.
Dominic Thiem’s Perspective on the New Era
Dominic Thiem, who retired in October 2024, has been vocal about his surprise at the rapid emergence of Sinner and Alcaraz. He compared their current dominance to that of the “Big Three,” acknowledging that it is “just as hard to beat today as Federer or Djokovic were back then.” Thiem remarked that he “didn’t expect two talents from our generation to emerge so quickly after the Big 3.” While recognizing their clear superiority over other players, Thiem remains cautious about their absolute future dominance, stating, “I don’t know if they’re going to win every Grand Slam tournament in the next few years, but there’s no doubt that they’re one step ahead of everyone today.”
Why Grand Slam Dominance is a Challenging Prospect
Despite their remarkable achievements, several factors suggest that Sinner and Alcaraz may not sweep every Grand Slam in the coming years.
The Enduring Threat of Novak Djokovic
Even at 38, Novak Djokovic remains a significant contender. Despite not winning a Grand Slam this year so far, reaching three semi-finals indicates his continued capability for deep major runs. Tennis legend Jimmy Connors has explicitly warned against counting Djokovic out for the US Open, suggesting the Serb has something “up his sleeve” and emphasizing his “guts.” Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, also believes that Djokovic is the “only one who can maybe fight with them.”
The Rise of Other Challengers
While Sinner and Alcaraz are currently a step ahead, the field of men’s tennis is deep, and new threats can emerge. Players like Alexander Zverev, who reached the US Open final in 2020 and has a competitive head-to-head record against both Sinner and Alcaraz, could pose a serious challenge. Other players like Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Jack Draper are also capable of upsetting the top duo if they perform perfectly. Pablo Carreno, one of Alcaraz’s Davis Cup teammates, has also expressed that “many things can happen” and that “new people can also come along, another very good player can appear.”
Maintaining Peak Performance
As Pablo Carreno noted, “it is not easy to maintain the level of demand for so long, or the level of success to share the four grand slams.” The physical and mental toll of consistently performing at the highest level, year after year, is immense. Injuries, fatigue, and the constant pressure to defend titles can all contribute to fluctuations in performance. Even top coach Rick Macci has advised Alcaraz to enhance his “center-court control” and play more aggressively to effectively challenge Sinner, highlighting areas for continuous improvement.
The Unpredictability of Tennis
Tennis, by its nature, is unpredictable. Surprises are always possible, and even the most dominant players experience losses. While Sinner and Alcaraz are clearly superior to many opponents, upsets can and do happen. As Thiem himself stated, “it can happen that they lose too.” The level of play on the ATP Tour is constantly evolving, with Hubert Hurkacz noting that the current level is “better than it was ten years ago” and that other players are motivated to “work hard to keep up with them.”
In conclusion, while Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have ushered in a new era of dominance in men’s tennis, as evidenced by their remarkable Grand Slam run, the idea of them winning every major in the coming years is likely overstated. The enduring threat of Novak Djokovic, the potential for other strong contenders to rise, and the inherent challenges of maintaining peak performance in a demanding sport all point to a competitive future, even if Sinner and Alcaraz remain at the forefront.
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