The two best men's players in the world are reconfiguring the sport before their opponents' eyes. They don't know what to do about it

Carlos Alcaraz was in fine form as he cruised to a first-round win at the Australian Open, but it was his comments on Jannik Sinner which drew attention.

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.

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.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are among the top Australian Open favorites. Two youngsters conquered all four Major titles in 2024, and they want more in the new season! Jannik and Carlos shared the same side of the court during Sunday's practice session.

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

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 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.

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. Credit: AP/Manu Fernandez

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.

"I do think he is the best hard-court player in the world. He has wrestled that mantle away from Novak Djokovic"