The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has become one of the most talked-about stories in tennis, and that hasn’t changed as 2026 gets underway.
Their dominance over the men’s game has continued to grow, with nobody really getting close to breaking through.
Whenever both players enter an event, it’s usually one or the other lifting the trophy. That was true all through 2025 and is expected to stay that way into this season.
But a new debate has emerged over who actually holds the upper hand in their head-to-head battles. While Alcaraz leads in Grand Slam titles and sits atop the rankings, Sinner’s consistency makes a strong case for being the more reliable force.
Carlos Alcaraz told he is currently ahead of Jannik Sinner
Speaking to Puntodebreak, Ljubicic acknowledged that no one else in the field matches their level right now. And he doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.
The Croatian said: “Yes, I think things will continue in this direction. I think so because both Carlos and Jannik keep improving, keep adding things to their tennis. Their experience in important matches and under pressure continues to grow.
“The rest are not there; they don’t reach that level, so I don’t expect anything to change in the next two or three years. Perhaps someone will emerge, but it will be individual performances here and there; I don’t think they will challenge Carlos and Jannik on a global level throughout the year. It’s interesting.”
“They are two different players, two different personalities, so it’s great to see that contrast every time they face each other,” Ljubicic added when comparing the players’ differences. “The numbers show that Carlos is slightly ahead of Jannik; he is also a bit younger, but it’s fascinating and fantastic for tennis to have a rivalry like this right after the Big Three.”
The Spanish player improved one aspect of his game enough to be statistically better than Sinner over 2025, and many expect the Italian to answer back in 2026.
Sinner currently leads their head-to-head record 7-6. However, since Alcaraz won their first three encounters through August 2023, Sinner has dominated with seven wins from ten matches.
Roger Federer comparison for Carlos Alcaraz
Ljubicic’s interview inevitably circled back to Federer, a subject he knows better than most. Their partnership helped steer Federer through a late-career resurgence, resulting in three Grand Slam titles and four ATP Finals wins under Ljubicic’s guidance.
When asked about comparisons between Alcaraz and Federer, Ljubicic didn’t shy away from the topic.
He explained: “In terms of tennis… maybe. Yes. In terms of personality and character, I think they are completely different, and I don’t believe you can disconnect one from the other. However, right now, Carlos is the most creative player; he is the player who generates the most excitement on a tennis court.
“Still, I think it’s too early to talk about these things (he smiles). Yes, I believe he generates those emotions in tennis fans, in people who love this sport; he brings something different. There was a moment, five or ten years ago, when we were afraid that all players would be the same. He brought a different angle through his tennis. It’s fantastic.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
