At a press event in Italy, Aryna Sabalenka addressed an intriguing question posed by reporters: which of the two top men's stars does she feel more aligned with? The query had stirred interest since 2024, when Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz began changing the tennis landscape through their combined success.
Shared triumphs and a winning formula
From the start of 2024, Sabalenka has secured 11 titles, with half of those coming on hard courts. Many of her wins mirrored Sinner's, particularly at the 2024 Australian Open. Their momentum continued during the North American season, with both players capturing the Cincinnati Open and the US Open in the same year. The Asian swing saw another synchronized success as they won titles in Shanghai and Wuhan on the same week. They then completed the Sunshine Double by winning both Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
During a recent interview, Sabalenka was asked to choose between Sinner and Alcaraz. She clearly favored the Italian, citing shared elements in their game. Both athletes rely on strong forehands and backhands, along with powerful serves, and play an aggressive, dynamic style.
Support for the underdog and admiration for versatility
Although she felt a stronger connection to Sinner, Sabalenka expressed deep respect for Alcaraz. The emotion surfaced during the 2025 French Open when Alcaraz lost to Sinner after having three match points. 'I was really hurting for Jannik,' she recalled, and added that she had been cheering for Sinner to find redemption at Wimbledon the same year.
In 2025, Sabalenka's only Grand Slam victory came with Alcaraz at the US Open. She praised his relentless energy, saying he gives his all 'until the very end' in every rally. She also commended his willingness to adapt, such as changing his serve and making adjustments in his game, which she sees as a sign of his growth and flexibility.
Sabalenka admitted it's challenging to choose just one player from this rivalry. 'I really like the way he moves, the way he sees the court,' she said of Alcaraz. His passion for the sport and determination clearly resonate with her.
Looking ahead for the 2025 season
With 2025 shaping up as another intense year, Sabalenka and Sinner are set to meet again at the Masters 1000 tournaments in Toronto and Montreal, scheduled from August 2 to 12. While Sinner is expected to be absent from the Montreal event, he is listed for the Cincinnati Open, where he successfully defended his title in 2025.
Alcaraz, however, is currently recovering from a right wrist injury suffered in Barcelona in April. The young star will miss the Montréal Masters 1000 event but plans to return for the Cincinnati Open, where he is the defending champion.