There are rivalries built on intensity, some on contrast, and a rare few like the one between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz - on pure, unmistakable respect. As the 2025 season winds down and the final chapter of the year is written, Alcaraz stands tall once again as the world’s year-end number one. But perhaps the most heartfelt reaction didn’t come from fans, pundits, or even the Spaniard’s own team. It came from the man who pushed him the hardest…

Both these players have been superb this season. On one side, we’ve seen Alcaraz clinching 8 titles, which include the French Open and the US Open. Then on the other side, Sinner has bagged 5 titles (including AO and Wimbledon) despite being out of action for three months due to the doping suspension. Before the ATP Finals, the Spaniard was asked if he would be disappointed if Sinner snatched away the No. 1 from him. Replying to that, Alcaraz said, “If he finishes first, it’s because he’s earned it and has had a magnificent end to the season… I am going to try to fight to prevent that from happening. If it does happen, it wouldn’t be a disappointment.”

Even after his recent win over Lorenzo Musetti, which secured his world number one crown, Alcaraz spoke about how overwhelmed he was by Jannik Sinner's incredible fight for the world number one crown. These sentiments capture both humility and admiration. Adding to that note, Sinner has now shared his first reaction to Carlos Alcaraz’s world number one glory. After beating Ben Shelton in straight sets in the final group stage match, he opened up on this during the post-match interview. Sinner said, “I'm happy for him, but if I told you I was super happy... I'd be telling a lie! But he deserves it; he's had an incredible season… He's won two Slams and eight tournaments. He's playing at a very high level; he's competitive on any surface.”

For years, their duel has shaped the sport. Late-night classics, marathon rallies, and unforgettable momentum swings… fans have witnessed their careers unfold like parallel rising suns. And yet. Beneath all the competition, the two youngsters have grown into a symbol of modern sportsmanship. Sinner further added, “He had the pressure too; he managed it very well, but I'm glad for him. He's a really good guy; he has a great team around him, and he's earned these achievements. For me, this is motivation for next year. If I had to choose another player to end up #1, I’d always choose him; he deserves it.”

Jannik Sinner’s words came not from obligation or courtesy, but from a bond formed in the trenches of elite tennis. He knows better than anyone the price Carlos Alcaraz paid to reclaim the year-end crown. The injuries, the pressure of expectations, the responsibility of leading a new generation…these are battles Sinner fought too. So, even before his match, the Italian was seen congratulating Alcaraz by saying “Bravo” and giving him a high-five when he met him at the entrance. 

Do you know that this is the first year that Alcaraz and Sinner hold the number one and number two spots to end the season? Their rivalry will continue, and there’s no doubt about that. More finals, more drama, and more shared history waiting to unfold. Sinner’s message stands out as a rare, honest tribute in a sport built on competition, but let me tell you, he wasn’t the only one to congratulate Alcaraz on his success. Even one of his team members joined that list!

Jannik Sinner’s coach praises Carlos Alcaraz for the world number one glory

Carlos Alcaraz had to wait for another three years to finally clinch the year-end number one crown. In 2022, he set a record by becoming the youngest man to do so. Over these three years, Alcaraz has not only become more mature but also managed to develop a game that has given him consistent results.

So, when he was asked to share a bit about how it feels to finally secure the world number one crown, the Spaniard said, “Well, it’s a great achievement. It was the goal to end the year as No. 1. Yeah, after getting the win in this match and know that I got and achieved my goal of the year, it means a lot. I think I’ve been playing great tennis. Excited about keep it going. I’m playing a semi-final here in the ATP Finals.”

All he now wants is to finish the year by securing yet reaching yet another goal, i.e., winning the ATP Finals. Can he do it? Time will tell! But his incredible achievement has drawn a reaction from Jannik Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill.

In June 2025, Cahill gave an interview with TNT Sports where he spoke about how Alcaraz has pushed Sinner to be more professional and develop his physicality. Then, before the 2025 Wimbledon final, the coach yet again heaped praise on these two youngsters by saying, “Jannik and Carlos are both incredible players and have the ability to push each other to the limit. They have already played several epic matches and will certainly be the two main protagonists of men's tennis in the coming years.”

Now, after seeing Alcaraz securing the world number one crown, Jannik Sinner’s coach congratulated him through an IG story. He wrote, “Big congrats to Carlos Alcaraz and your entire team. An amazing effort.”

His congratulatory gesture was also a reflection of the understanding that both camps share. But let me tell you, this rivalry is just getting started, and we can surely expect the chase for the crowd to be even fiercer next year.

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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