Jannik Sinner will have his sights set on reclaiming the world number one ranking from Carlos Alcaraz in 2026.
Even though Alcaraz ended the 2025 season as world number one, Sinner had beaten him in the final of the year-end ATP Finals, so the Italian star knows what he needs to do to return to the top.
The two dominant players on the ATP Tour last year are anticipated to maintain their supremacy in 2026. However, a fellow player has voiced hope that Sinner can outperform his Spanish rival.
Lorenzo Sonego backs Jannik Sinner as ‘more consistent’ than Carlos Alcaraz
Australian Open quarter-finalist Lorenzo Sonego – who has faced both players before – shared his thoughts on the rivalry.
The 30-year-old Italian has a good relationship with Sinner and told OA Sport that he believes his fellow countryman is more consistent than Alcaraz.
Sonego made it clear he thinks both players will be at the top of the sport for years to come, but he favours Sinner because of their friendship and because he sees him as more reliable overall.
“I think both Jannik and Alcaraz will be the future of tennis, in addition to already being the present, and they will be the ones who will dominate for many years.
“Jannik gives the impression of being more consistent, and since we are very good friends, I hope he can continue to get stronger and be a step above Carlos,” he stated.
Lorenzo Sonego questions Italy’s motivation without Jannik Sinner at Davis Cup
Sonego, who was part of the Italian Davis Cup team last year after Sinner withdrew, spoke about the team’s mindset during the tournament.
With Italy also missing their second-best player, Lorenzo Musetti, the 30-year-old was asked whether the Italian team found extra motivation in the absence of their two top players.
He replied: “Yes, you could say it was stimulating to play without the two strongest players we have right now, and it was certainly a positive thing for us Italians to win even without them because it raised awareness and demonstrates how strong the tennis movement is in Italy today.
“Obviously, it would have been nice to play with them because they are a fundamental part of our team, and not having them made the challenge tougher and more challenging, but winning even so was very nice.”
Sonego did not take part in any matches in Bologna, but still played an active role on the bench as Italy claimed their third consecutive Davis Cup title by defeating Spain.
Sonego’s 2026 season will begin at the Hong Kong Open, where he is seeded fifth.
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