Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has hailed his growing rivalry with Jannik Sinner as a positive development for tennis, ahead of what could be a thrilling showdown between the two at this year's French Open.
The Spanish star, who enters Roland Garros as the reigning champion, said the frequent matchups between himself and world number one Sinner are generating widespread excitement.
Alcaraz and Sinner have shared the last five Grand Slam titles, with Alcaraz taking the French Open and Wimbledon in 2023, while Sinner clinched the Australian Open in 2024, followed by the US Open and a successful title defence in Melbourne earlier this year.
I believe its fantastic for the sport and for fans to have this kind of rivalry, Alcaraz told journalists during his pre-tournament press conference. Every time I face Jannik, people seem excited. Our matches are always of high quality. Even those who normally wouldn't watch tennis might start because of it.
Despite the buzz, the 22-year-old was quick to play down comparisons with some of the sport's most iconic rivalries, such as Roger Federer versus Rafael Nadal or Bjorn Borg versus John McEnroe.