Italian legend: Sinner rarely suffers upsets, Alcaraz must stay focused or he may never beat him again.

The Paris Masters ended with Italian player Sinner successfully beating the surprise finalist Aliassime to win the championship and return to the top of the world rankings. In this context, Italian legend Panatta spoke about the forthcoming "twin stars" competition and cautioned Alcaraz that frequent early upsets like the one in Paris could mean he might never overcome Sinner again.

“He fulfilled his duty because after Alcaraz was knocked out, he was obviously the main contender for the title,” said Italian tennis great Panatta recently when discussing his compatriot’s victory. However, he admitted that although Sinner has now replaced Alcaraz as world No.1, “due to a tournament system I can neither understand nor agree with, this position might not last long.”

Panatta bluntly pointed out: “Carlos must be cautious: unless he maintains constant focus, he will no longer be able to defeat Sinner.” In this fierce rivalry among the new generation leaders of tennis, consistency has become a hot topic among experts.

Panatta’s analysis of the two prodigies’ traits was sharp and to the point. He emphasized that Sinner’s stability is his most lethal weapon.

“Sinner never shows signs of fatigue in the first or second rounds. If he loses, it only happens in the final or due to injury,” Panatta observed, highlighting a key phenomenon in today’s men’s tennis.

In contrast, although Alcaraz has a more varied tactical approach and greater explosiveness, his inconsistency remains an obstacle to further growth. Technically, Sinner’s style is more economical and efficient, allowing him to maintain stable performance throughout long matches, while Alcaraz’s game relies more on physical condition and in-the-moment feel. This difference is especially evident in the later stages of major tournaments.

Now, as the era of the “Big Three” — Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer — gradually fades, Alcaraz and Sinner are seen as the new flag bearers of men’s tennis.

The two young players have already engaged in several unforgettable battles, including the epic nearly five-and-a-half-hour 2025 French Open final.

At that time, Alcaraz staged a stunning comeback from two sets down to win in five, showcasing the fighting spirit of the new generation. Panatta hopes they will continue to deliver thrilling matches: “No matter what, I sincerely look forward to them meeting in finals. That would be the greatest gift tennis can offer.”

Regarding the current rivalry of the twin stars, former Wimbledon quarterfinalist and tennis commentator Rob Massey said Sinner’s technique truly has the edge: “Sinner’s match intelligence surpasses his age. He knows how to manage his energy and raise his level at crucial moments — these are the traits of a champion. Although Alcaraz has a richer arsenal, consistency is definitely an area he needs to improve.”

Renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou analyzed from another perspective: “We must not forget that Alcaraz is younger than Sinner and still developing. However, his shot selection can sometimes be too risky, which becomes a double-edged sword against a steady opponent like Sinner.”

French tennis star Simon agreed with Panatta’s view: “Sinner has proven himself to be the hardest player on tour to upset. His ability to maintain a high level consistently is impressive.”

On social media, tennis fans have been actively discussing this new generation rivalry. One user wrote: “Watching Sinner play is like watching a finely tuned machine at work, while Alcaraz is more like a passionate piece of art.”

Another fan joked: “Sinner’s consistency reminds me of Djokovic in his prime, whereas Alcaraz is a bit like Federer when he was young.”

A neutral fan added: “As tennis enthusiasts, we are truly lucky to witness the birth of yet another great rivalry.”

Experts and ordinary fans alike seem to have reached a consensus: the future of men’s tennis will be shaped by these two rivals who push each other to excel.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)