Amid laughter and complicity, Carlos Alcaraz once again came up with a phrase to remember. In the middle of the ATP Finals 2025 tournament in Turin, the Spaniard referred to his rival Jannik Sinner with a comment as sincere as it was humorous: “I see him more than my mother.” A joke that reflects not only the frequency with which they face each other, but also the closeness and mutual respect that has been born from one of the most exciting rivalries in tennis today.
It’s no wonder. In recent months, Alcaraz and Sinner have met in three of the four Grand Slam finals and have shared the court in multiple tournaments and exhibitions. Theirs is a modern, intense and clean rivalry, which has brought back to tennis that feeling of generational change that was so much expected after the golden years of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
A joke that reveals a reality
In a joint interview for CNN, the two young men spoke naturally about what it means to meet again and again on the world’s biggest stages. Alcaraz, with his usual smile, broke the ice: “I already said it in the summer, I see him more than my mother. But I never get tired of it”. Sinner, for his part, followed the funny tone, although with the serenity that characterizes him: “It’s good and bad at the same time. We see each other a lot, but we also understand each other better and better. When we train together or meet in the locker room, it’s fantastic. It’s something natural to get to know each other more and more: we talk about family, life, personal things”.
The dialogue hints at a relationship that transcends the track. They are fierce rivals when points are at stake, but companions when the lights go out.
The international press has compared them to the great rivalry couples in history, but both Alcaraz and Sinner insist on keeping their feet on the ground. “I think the word rivalry stays on the professional side,” Carlos explained.
That mutual respect has been key to both of them growing both on and off the court. Neither shies away from competition, but neither loses sight of the learning that comes from measuring themselves against the same elite opponent over and over again.
Number one, at stake
The ATP Finals in Turin comes with an extra attraction, as the world number one could be decided this week. Alcaraz has a slight advantage in points, but Sinner will not make it easy for him. Both players are coming off outstanding seasons, with important titles and consistency that has consolidated them as the new dominators of the circuit. “I have to get good results here in Turin if I want to finish as number one. The goals are still the same: to enjoy, compete and keep improving,” said Alcaraz.
Sinner, on the other hand, approaches the tournament with ambition, but also with gratitude: “It has been a very different year for me. With many new situations, pressure and extra motivation. It would be fantastic to close the season with this trophy, but we must also value everything we have experienced. It has been a great year for both of us.”
The Spaniard has no hesitation in admitting that 2025 has been his most complete season to date: “It has been my best year without any doubt. In terms of level, consistency and maturity. I have grown a lot,” he said. “Especially in how I understand the game, in knowing what I need at any given moment. That makes me feel ready for what’s coming.”
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