The worrying diagnosis of an ATP circuit subdued by the power of Alcaraz and Sinner

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 3 Feb 2026 | 11.45

Carlos Alcaraz, superiority on ATP circuit. Photo: gettyimages

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They are in a different sphere, their superiority is so pronounced that they seem to be playing a different sport, and that has advantages and disadvantages for world tennis. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have managed to build a passionate rivalry, a duopoly that makes history and attracts many fans. However, there is a risk of reducing tennis to duels between the Spanish and Italian.

"I haven't seen anything yet, I'll wait until the semifinals." "They are far superior to the others, it's known that it's almost impossible for them to lose against anyone." "They have no competition, they will win whatever they want for years." These are some of the words I come across when talking to friends, family, and acquaintances during the 2026 Australian Open. A widespread feeling of disconnection from the earthly world of tennis grips many fans, eager to see matches between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner that fuel that rivalry, yet feeling disheartened by the perceived inability of other players to surprise the Spanish and Italian.

Alcaraz and Sinner, a blessing or a curse for tennis? Can they be both at once?

Human beings are by nature dissatisfied, and in tennis, it always seems like there is something to complain about. When there are no big stars dominating with an iron fist, the circuit's quality is trivialized, nostalgia sets in for the Big 3 era, and the best players are criticized for their inconsistency. But as soon as two budding legends appear, it takes very little time to blame others for their inability to challenge them, labeling the current context as "monotonous and boring." So, where do we stand?

It is paradoxical to see how players like Tsonga, Berdych, Dimitrov, Ferrer, and others are currently praised, valued for their ability to challenge the Big 3, while years ago, they were criticized for (supposedly) faltering against the best and repeatedly clashing with them. Tennis, like life, has a very short memory. The truth is that most current players seem to be accepting the total impossibility of winning a Grand Slam.

Opposing the domination of Alcaraz and Sinner, with serious structural problems

We see how Novak Djokovic, at 38 years old, remains the major alternative to the established power, while Alexander Zverev is unable to overcome his chronic issues. The German faced the opposition of the Big 3, wasted several clear opportunities to achieve his goal, which has turned into an obsession, and now finds himself distant from the world's top two, with his confidence undermined every time he suffers a defeat against one of them.

The landscape is bleak. Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev are far from their best and have faced evident mental struggles, feeling somewhat disconnected from tennis. Alex de Miñaur continues to improve constantly, yet he keeps bumping against the same wall time and time again.

Lorenzo Musetti and Jack Draper hindered by physical issues, Holger Rune stagnant with a career that could be affected by his severe Achilles injury, Taylor Fritz seemingly reaching his peak, Ben Shelton in clear need of significant tactical intelligence and variety in his game, and the list of endemic issues faced by those who should challenge Carlos and Jannik goes on.

Many put their trust in the younger players. Jakub Mensik, Learner Tien, Joao Fonseca are considered possible emerging stars, but the distance to narrow seems considerable, and in the short term, it appears difficult for them to reach the level of the two dominant figures in the circuit. Meanwhile, what do we do with tennis? Do we believe we are in a golden age due to the emergence of a historic rivalry or do we fall into despair, turning this sport into a Sunday event to watch matches between Alcaraz and Sinner, disregarding everything else?

Can you imagine being one of the best in the world at something and training knowing that winning a Grand Slam will be impossible?

Perhaps the solution lies in a middle ground, as Aristotle proclaimed that virtue lies in the mean. We are fortunate to witness the birth of two legendary careers like those of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have taken over from the Big 3 even before its extinction. We must find a way to enjoy tennis beyond them, even though it seems impossible right now for anyone to challenge them.

There is more merit in the current situation for the Spanish and Italian players than demerit in others, overwhelmed by two hurricanes that are sweeping everything away. "The vast majority of players currently in the top 10 train every day knowing they will never win a Grand Slam." These words were spoken by Goran Ivanisevic a few months ago and perfectly sum up the heartbreaking situation for many.

Despite this, it is necessary to have faith and trust that the magic of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will eventually lead to a domino effect, resulting in the overall improvement of the ATP circuit, with players finding strong motivation in the Spaniard and Italian's superiority to explore their limits and reach tennis levels that currently seem unimaginable. Let us have patience and enjoy the current situation, something unimaginable just a few years ago even for the most optimistic.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El preocupante diagnóstico de un circuito ATP sometido por el poder de Alcaraz y Sinner