Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the two hottest players in men’s tennis right now and arguably the favorites heading into Wimbledon.
The duo recently played the longest final in Roland Garros history. The 5-hour, 29-minute match ended in heartbreak for Sinner, as Alcaraz edged him 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).
However, tennis experts have noted that both players will need to adjust their games to thrive on grass. Of the two, Alcaraz, a two-time defending champion at SW19, has the stronger record on the surface.
On the “Technique Talk” podcast, hosted by tennis pundit Gill Gross and analyst Hugh Clarke, the two discussed why a Wimbledon match between Alcaraz and Sinner might have a different result.
Why Experts Feel Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz Match at Wimbledon Might Have a Different Outcome
Although Carlos Alcaraz leads Jannik Sinner 8-4 in their head-to-head, the Italian holds a 1-0 edge at Wimbledon, winning their only meeting in 2022 by a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-7 (8), 6-3.
The faster conditions at Wimbledon, according to Gross and Clarke, could change the match-up’s dynamic.
Clarke said he believes Sinner would have the edge if the two met in a Wimbledon final. Looking back on Sinner’s recent losses to Alcaraz, Clarke suggested that if Sinner had hit his “serve numbers,” he could have won a lot of those matches.
Although Sinner lost the tight match at the French Open, Clarke pointed out the Italian was very close to winning his first Roland Garros title. “He (Sinner) has made big strides, even though that was a heartbreaking loss,” Clarke said.
Gross also noted that Wimbledon’s faster conditions could benefit Sinner.
The “high-heavy effectiveness” that helped Alcaraz in Paris won’t carry over to grass, Gross said.
Alcaraz won’t be able to flip as many points around on hard returns, which was a “big thing at Roland Garros,” Gross added. He also said Sinner’s serve has more potential to be a “free point generator” on grass.
How Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz Have Fared After Epic French Open Finale
After capturing his second straight Roland Garros title, Alcaraz flew to Ibiza to celebrate with friends.
Sinner, on the other hand, admitted he had trouble sleeping after the loss to Alcaraz.
“I’ve already had a few sleepless nights,” Sinner said. “But I think every day it gets better.”
The world No. 1 added, “My family stand behind me, and my friends. That is the most important thing for me. Tennis is important in my life, but nevertheless, family and friends are more important. Nonetheless, I often think about the match.”
Earlier this week, both players kicked off their grass-court seasons. Sinner flew to Halle in Germany, while Alcaraz chose to play at the HSBC Championships in London.
Alcaraz survived a tough three-set match against countryman Jaume Munar. Sinner wasn’t as fortunate. He lost to big-serving Alexander Bublik, who is riding high after making the French Open quarterfinals, where he had previously lost to the Italian.
