Aryna Sabalenka has been asked about one of the most recurring debates in current tennis: Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz? The world number one surprised with a very thoughtful response, explaining why she feels more identified with the Italian from a tennis perspective, although she also praised the Spaniard for aspects of his game she considers unique.
The Belarusian, a four-time Grand Slam champion, took part in the YouTube channel First&Red, where she analyzed the virtues of the two great dominators of the men's circuit. Although she acknowledged that her style shares many similarities with Sinner's, she ended up admitting that it is impossible to choose between the two due to the extraordinary level both are showing. It is worth listening to Aryna Sabalenka's reflection.
Sabalenka chooses Sinner without hesitation but shows admiration for Alcaraz
She did not hesitate much when asked which tennis she liked the most, although she started reacting with laughter to a question she knew would generate debate. "Damn it! Why that question? Naturally, I prefer Jannik because we have similar playing styles. I think we both have a good forehand, a good backhand, and a good serve. We also have an aggressive style of tennis, so to speak," she stated.
The world number one explained that this identification comes from the way both construct points, constantly seeking to take the initiative from the baseline and relying on the power of their shots to dominate exchanges.
However, the Belarusian made it clear that this doesn't mean she doesn't greatly enjoy watching Carlos Alcaraz play. In fact, she showered several praises on the Spaniard, especially highlighting his athletic ability, creativity, and the passion with which he approaches every point.
"But I really like how Alcaraz moves, how he sees the court, and how he plays every ball. It's clear that Carlos truly enjoys playing tennis. There isn't a single ball he doesn't try to reach," she commented.
For Sabalenka, one of the qualities that sets the Murcian apart from other players is precisely that competitive attitude he maintains until the last moment of each exchange. "Alcaraz always tries until the end. And that, of course, is really great," she affirmed.
The Belarusian also wanted to highlight the constant improvement mentality of the Spaniard. Despite winning Grand Slams and reaching the top of the rankings very early on, she believes that Alcaraz continues to show a great willingness to evolve. "And, of course, the fact that he is open to new things. Even though he was already at the top of the rankings, he kept changing his serve and adjusting some things. It's fantastic because he is very young and reached the top very quickly. It's nice to see how Carlos keeps improving," she explained.
Precisely that constant evolution is, according to Sabalenka, one of the reasons why the Spaniard continues to extend his competitive ceiling despite all the successes achieved from a very young age.
Aryna Sabalenka says she remains impressed with what happened at Roland Garros 2025
After analyzing the strengths of both, the world number one ended up acknowledging that the debate practically has no answer. For her, both Sinner and Alcaraz represent the excellence of current tennis, and it is impossible to choose just one.
"I think it's impossible to choose just one person in this matchup," she confessed. As an example of that rivalry, she recalled the unforgettable final of Roland Garros 2025, when Alcaraz came back from three match points down to defeat the Italian, as well as the final of Wimbledon 2025, where her preferences changed completely.
"When Alcaraz defeated Jannik at Roland Garros 2025 after saving three match points, it was incredible. But at Wimbledon 2025, I was cheering for Jannik because I really suffered a lot for him after Roland Garros," she concluded.
The words of Aryna Sabalenka perfectly reflect the feelings of many fans. Although she personally feels more identified with Sinner's aggressive and direct tennis, she does not hide the admiration she feels for the creativity, athletic ability, and competitive spirit of Alcaraz. Two different styles, two extraordinary champions, and a rivalry that continues to mark one of the brightest eras in modern tennis.
Cette actualité est une traduction automatique. Vous pouvez lire la nouvelle originale Sabalenka responde al eterno debate entre Sinner y Alcaraz: "Naturalmente, prefiero a Jannik"

