Jannik Sinner claimed the ATP Finals title over Carlos Alcaraz, prevailing 7-6, 7-5 after a massive battle. The Italian claimed six points more than the Spaniard and created perfect equilibrium after their 16th Tour-level meeting.
Some rivalries are defined by titles, and some by drama. The one between Carlos and Jannik is defined by something even rarer, with nothing separating them ahead of 2026.
While battling across every possible stage - Majors, ATP Finals, Masters 1000 events - and three surfaces, they have now played 3,302 points, each man winning 1,651! Not a single point separates them after 16 encounters, which is remarkable!
With nothing separating them, Carlos still leads their H2H 10-6. Interestingly, the Spaniard is 7-3 on hard courts, the Italian's dominant surface. Alcaraz's explosive tempo and baseline aggression still rule over his rival, but that could change with Jannik's improved serve.
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The El Palmar native is 4-1 on clay, beating his greatest rival in two Roland Garros duels, including one of the most thrilling Major final this June that went down to the wire and lasted five and a half hours.
Sinner has beaten Alcaraz two times on clay, including this year's Wimbledon final. The San Candido native dropped the opener before raising his level and outplaying the two-time defending champion to lift a trophy.
Jannik celebrated in their most recent indoor clash at the ATP Finals. He also bested Alcaraz in two Six Kings Slam duels, which does not count in their official rivalry.
The Spaniard still holds the edge at Majors, winning four of six encounters, including two triumphs in the previous three title matches on the most notable scene since June.
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The title matches are what counts the most, and Carlos builds a 5-3 advantage. The youngerplayer is 4-2 in their finals in 2025, winning in Rome, Paris, Cincinnati and New York while falling short in London and Turin.
Despite all these comparisons, the most powerful number remains 1651-1651 - a stat so symmetrical it almost feels scripted. It confirms that these two are inseparable in level, mentality and competitive fire.
Every meeting, preserved mostly for the notable finals, feels like a preview of the future. Their rivalry shapes the identity of modern tennis and brings new fans to watch and play tennis.
Their constant improvements push each other into new territories, with reinventions and tactical evolutions untouched by any other player. Alcaraz brings chaos, electricity and fearless improvisation.
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Sinner responds with precision, purity of timing and geometric clarity and calmness. Together, they create a perfect storm and balance, shaping the rivalry that should last for over a decade.
