Carlos thinks about Jannik every time he practices, targeting further improvements for their upcoming encounters. Alcaraz also uses Sinner's titles and incredible success in the previous season to practice even harder and seek the extra gear that can make the difference.

Carlos Alcaraz apologised to Jannik Sinner after criticising the world No.1 following his opening-round win at the Australian Open. Alcaraz looked at his very best in the straight sets victory against Alexander Shevchenko, taking the game 6-1, 7-5, 6-1

Carlos Alcaraz has confessed that Jannik Sinner lives “in his head” when practising. The young champions have already formed an exciting rivalry and split the Grand Slams between them last year. They could now take it to the next level at the Australian Open, where they are on a collision course for their first Major final showdown.

FILE - Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during the Davis Cup final tennis match between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

Jannik Sinner has set this eyes on the Australian Open, which he aims to win for the second time in a row. But he’s also aware of the huge threat in the form of Carlos Alcaraz, who is bidding to complete his Career Grand Slam.

MELBOURNE – Carlos Alcaraz said on Jan 11 that his burgeoning rivalry with Jannik Sinner brought out the best in him, with the Spanish star driven by winning more Grand Slam titles and toppling the Italian as world No. 1.

The top-ranked Sinner, who is the defending champion at Melbourne Park, and No. 3 Alcaraz are coming off a 2024 season in which they each won two Grand Slam titles.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said having a rival like world number one Jannik Sinner was good for his game as it pushes him to be at his best every time he walks on court.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are heading into the Australian Open as the pre-tournament favourites, but they may have taken a gamble ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2025. While Novak Djokovic and a host of contenders for the big prize in Melbourne ...

Carlos Alcaraz described his rivalry with Jannik Sinner as something that brings out "the best of me every day" ahead of his bid for a historic Australian Open

The pick amongst those was a thunderous forehand in the third set. Joao Fonseca attacked the ball on the rise and fired a forehand down-the-line winner that clocked 181 kmph - the fastest winner at the Australian Open 2025. Speaking on the Tennis Channel, Martina Navratilova lauded the 18-year-old Brazilian.