Jannik Sinner (middle) with the 'Golden Racquet' after his win in Riyadh | Image Credit: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.
Both contenders entered the Six Kings Slam final after impressive semifinal wins, with Carlos Alcaraz getting the better of Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner defeating Novak Djokovic. What was expected to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller turned out to be slightly one-sided, thanks to some dominant tennis from the current Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, sealing the victory 6-2, 6-4.
Despite the fierce rivalry on the court, the two share a healthy relationship off it. Sinner has made a habit of winning in Riyadh — two titles in as many appearances, both against top opponents. During the post-match interview, he jokingly said he wished he could own every other tournament the way he does here, while humbly showing respect to his rival.
“I wish I could play like this everywhere. It’s always nice to share the court with Carlos (Alcaraz), to see the whole team here doing an incredible job throughout the season, working very hard, winning incredible titles — and thanks for leaving one for me,” said Sinner after his Six Kings Slam win.
The new-age rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz has become the talk of the tennis world and shows signs of becoming a long-lasting one, reminiscent of the Federer–Nadal–Djokovic era. Just like their legendary predecessors, one continues to push the other to raise the bar even higher. It’s not surprising that Sinner makes special preparations ahead of every clash with Alcaraz.
“I think a lot about how to prepare against Alcaraz. That’s exactly why we need Carlos and many other players — to keep improving and to look up to. We’ve played many times and I've lost some too. It’s nice to have a great rivalry, and more importantly, a great friendship off the court,” the champion stated.
Jannik Sinner never allowed Carlos Alcaraz to get ahead of him in the final | Image Credit: Independent Photo Agency Int.
Sinner was on fire from the start, sticking to the basics and capitalizing on Alcaraz’s sluggish opening to break in the very first game. Efforts from the Spaniard to break back in the following game went in vain, as Sinner held serve to make it 2-0. From the early stages, Alcaraz was forced to chase the game.
Sinner kept pushing his opponent to the limit, stretching him to either side of the court before launching winners with precision. The inevitable happened in the fourth game as the Italian teased the World No. 1 into committing errors, earning two break points and converting the first to take a commanding 4-1 lead.
Alcaraz showed some character in the later stages, pulling off a remarkable drop shot to stay alive in the set. But Sinner, serving for the set, hardly made an error and wrapped it up 6-2. The reigning US Open champion was left with a mountain to climb.
Riyadh saw a rejuvenated Alcaraz in the second set, learning from his earlier mistakes and taking the opening game. The familiar rivals — who have met in three Grand Slam finals this year — pulled out all the tricks, preventing the other from getting even a step ahead.
The deadlock had to break, and it nearly did in the fifth game. Sinner’s discipline earned him two break points, both of which Alcaraz saved before taking the game to deuce. It turned out to be the longest game of the match, finally sealed by an incredible Alcaraz forehand to go 3-2 ahead.
At 3-3, Sinner produced a breathtaking return to set the tone for the seventh game. Using all his skill to counter Alcaraz’s ferocious serves, he broke the Spaniard’s serve to lead 4-3. The Arab crowd had to wait a little longer for their champion, as Alcaraz fought back to make it 5-4, keeping the match alive.
Moments later - Sinner, serving for the title, didn’t give an inch — closing the contest in style and sealing a glamorous, high-profile victory. It was a testament to his immense potential and a promise of a rivalry that tennis fans will remember for years.
Carlos Alcaraz (left) and Jannik Sinner share a great bond off the court | Image Credit: Independent Photo Agency Int.
Alcaraz came close but failed to cross the line once again in Saudi Arabia. He couldn’t have done much more, aside from avoiding a few unforced errors. In a lighthearted mood, the Spaniard admitted he was outplayed this weekend. Yet, the loss only fuels his determination to bounce back stronger next time.
“When Jannik is playing at this level, it’s always difficult. Today, he was just too good, and I think everyone enjoyed the match — it was a really high level of tennis,” said Alcaraz when asked about his opponent’s performance.
“Sometimes it feels like he’s playing ping pong — it’s tough, to be honest, being on the other side of the net. When he plays such great tennis, it motivates me to go back to practice, give my 100%, and try to be better,” summed up the Spaniard.
