Italy’s tennis great tips Carlos Alcaraz as favorite against a full‑throttle Jannik Sinner

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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have continued to set the pace on the ATP Tour in 2026, much as they did throughout last season.

Between them, they split all four Grand Slam titles in both 2024 and 2025, underlining just how far ahead of the pack they’ve pulled.

Alcaraz kept that trend going by claiming this year’s Australian Open, while Sinner looks well-placed to add his name to the list of Roland Garros winners.

With Alcaraz sidelined from Paris due to a wrist injury, Sinner’s path has opened up even further. A win there would not only boost his major tally but also complete his career Grand Slam.

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Adriano Panatta sides with Alcaraz over Sinner at 100%

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Panatta said: “When Alcaraz plays at 100%, he beats Sinner because he has a few more inventive moves. But tennis isn’t just about peak performances: on average, Jannik is superior.

“I say: Alcaraz’s forehand, Sinner’s backhand, Sinner’s serve today, Alcaraz’s volley and drop shot, Alcaraz’s movements.

“But in Monte Carlo, on clay, Sinner won. It’s hard to make any predictions against those two: when you do, you risk being immediately proven wrong.

“Alcaraz reminds me of Lew Hoad, who some consider the best ever: on a good day, he was unbeatable.”

Adriano Panatta was impressed by Jannik Sinner’s hunger to get better

There’s no question that Alcaraz vs Sinner is the sport’s top rivalry at the moment, with the Spaniard holding a narrow edge.