Turin had seen this script before - an icy November night, the lights blazing inside the Inalpi Arena, and a young champion standing alone at the summit. But this time, it felt different. This time, history wasn’t just repeating itself; it was being rewritten by a 24-year-old Italian who has now made this city his own. Jannik Sinner walked onto the court on Sunday already carrying the weight of expectation. Did he fulfill those expectations?

Well, Sinner aced it! Every champion carves their own path, but some milestones carry names that can’t be ignored. On Sunday, Jannik Sinner joined Roger Federer in rare company by defending the ATP Finals title with a 7-6(4), 7-5 win over Carlos Alcaraz. With this win against Alcaraz, he not only managed to extend his winning streak on indoor hard courts to 31 matches but also became the ninth man in history to win back-to-back ATP Finals. Also, the youngest to defend this title since Roger Federer (in 2004).

Do you know that since the ATP Finals’ inauguration in 1970, Jannik Sinner (2024-25) has now become the first player to win this tournament without conceding a set in multiple and consecutive years? The numbers made headlines. But the moment that truly defined the night happened after the last ball was struck.

With the trophy in his hands and the crowd roaring, Sinner took a deep breath and turned towards his fierce rival, Carlos Alcaraz. What followed wasn’t just a victory speech; it was a moment of pure sportsmanship, the kind that makes rivalries legendary rather than hostile. He said, “Amazing season, Carlos. Amazing what you’re doing. The whole team. I know it’s a lot of work. A lot of great memories you’ve done for your career. Well deserved for the No.1. We haven’t spoken yet. But I’m extremely happy. If it’s another player than me, I’ll always choose you. You are definitely a player I look up to. A lot of motivation... I need this.”

He even hailed Alcaraz as the “most energetic player on Tour” and wished him all the very best for the rest of the season. Later on, when he was asked if he could have a deep friendship with his greatest rival, Sinner said, “With Carlos, it's also a bit different because of on-court reasons. We have a very good relationship, or rivalry, call it however. I feel like we can talk about everything still. I think it's great. We are good friends off the court. We do respect us in a very healthy way. Also, the teams, my team, get along very well with them. I think it's a good harmony. At the same time, there's also the work and all the rest behind, which it's all about balance.”

Their rivalry is electric. Yes, but it is also unexpectedly warm. And in a sport filled with iconic duels, theirs stands out for one simple reason: their friendship grows even as the battles intensify. What did Carlos Alcaraz say about Jannik Sinner after the match, though?

Carlos Alcaraz congratulates Jannik Sinner on his victory

Rivalries, historically, come with a touch of distance - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal didn’t bond early, Novak Djokovic was carefully kept at arm’s length, and Andy Murray often found himself as the outsider. But Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz? They rewrote the script from day one. 

Their first clash came years ago, two teenagers still growing into their frames, still discovering who they would become. Even then, the tennis community whispered about their potential. Their ball-striking was uncanny, their athleticism prodigious. But what truly caught attention was the mutual respect they carried, even in the heat of a match. They weren’t just shaking hands; they were talking, smiling, and exchanging tiny gestures of goodwill.

That dynamic only deepened as their careers soared. After securing his sixth win in their sixteen meetings, Jannik Sinner literally spoiled Carlos Alcaraz’s year-end party. However, shortly after the match, the Spaniard shared a heartfelt note on his X handle, congratulating the Italian superstar. “Congratulations for the trophy and for the season, @janniksin and team! 👏🏻 I hope to come back next year and fight for this title! 😍 Grazie a tutti! ❤️,” Alcaraz wrote this in his tweet.

But not only that, even during the post-match interview, he spoke about the improvements he saw in Sinner since their meeting at the US Open final. “Obviously I felt the improvements of Jannik. I said many times, I think a player like him, he always comes back stronger from the losses. He always learns from the losses. Once again, he has shown everybody that he did it. Especially in the serves, putting so much pressure on you. It's really difficult to play against him, obviously.”

Although there was a moment in the match during the first set when he was seen taking a medical timeout, Alcaraz clearly stated that this issue didn’t affect him much in the match. “Don't get me wrong, because I'm not going to say I could play better or I could do something better if my hamstring were well. I could play a really good tennis with it. The loss is because he deserved it,” he said.

This yet again showed us how they complement each other in ways that only deepen their bond. But having said that, Carlos Alcaraz also said that he hopes to play against Jannik Sinner in more such finals in the upcoming years and also added a subtle warning, saying, “Hope you are going to be ready for next year, because I will be ready.”

What are your thoughts on this incredible rivalry, and how much would you rate their performances in 2025 out of 5? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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