Australian Open: “Sincaraz” dominate the tennis world

All the experts agree that the two best tennis players in the world will continue their long-term duel there. Last year, Alcaraz and Sinner shared the four Grand Slam titles between them. Sinner triumphed in Melbourne and Wimbledon, Alcaraz won in Paris and New York.

Impressive dominance

It’s been a while since two players have dominated the tour as much as the 22-year-old Spaniard and the Italian, who is two years older. Alcaraz has 550 points more in the world rankings than Sinner, who in turn is 6,395 points ahead of Alexander Zverev, third in the world rankings. This corresponds to more than three Grand Slam titles, of which Zverev has not yet won a single one. “At the moment both of them are a bit ahead of the rest,” admitted Zverev.

The rivalry does not harm their good relationship. “We get along well. We encourage each other,” said Sinner and Alcaraz together after arriving in Melbourne, where the Australian Open begins this Sunday. There is much to suggest that the final in the Rod Laver Arena on February 1st will be Alcaraz against Sinner. It would be the next chapter of the “Sincaraz” era.

Surprising coach separation

Or not? There are also a few question marks, especially around Alcaraz. During the short tennis break between the years, the Spaniard completely unexpectedly announced his separation from his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. It is still not entirely clear why the collaboration came to an end. The two Spaniards were considered the perfect duo, winning six Grand Slam titles together.

Insiders speculate that the decision to separate did not come from Alcaraz himself, but from those around him. As is often the case, money should play a role. In any case, Ferrero was very surprised that he will no longer accompany the world number one on the tour in 2026.

“The year went very well. I didn’t have any arguments with him or those around him,” said the ex-professional on Spanish radio. “I did not agree with some points of the new contract, I expressed this and we were unable to reach an agreement. I remain true to my values ​​and beliefs,” Ferrero said.

Sinner knows discussions from 2025

The question is how much the separation from his successful coach weighs on Alcaraz. The fact that the world number one is competing in the first highlight of the year without a permanent coach definitely leaves a lot of room for discussion. Eurosport expert Mats Wilander has already brought Roger Federer into discussion as the new coach. The name Andy Murray is also circulating. For now, Alcaraz is relying on a team from his academy.

Sinner knows what it’s like to be at the center of discussions in Melbourne. Last year in Australia there was a lot of focus on the Italian’s doping case, who then surprisingly agreed to a three-month ban after the first Grand Slam tournament. But Sinner ignored all the rumors about himself and defeated Zverev in three sets in the final.

Amateur wins show event in Rod Laver Arena

In Seoul, Sinner had to admit defeat against Alcaraz 5:7, 6:7 (6:8), both of whom thrilled the 12,000 spectators with some spectacular shots. The fact that the two superstars are not unbeatable was shown at a show event in Melbourne on Wednesday.

At the 1 Point Slam, Sinner and Alcaraz, as well as Alexander Zverev, were eliminated early and thus missed out on the prize money of one million Australian dollars (around 573,530 euros). An Australian amateur secured this. However, the matches with professionals, celebrities and amateurs were only played for one point each.