I think that Carlos Alcaraz will do well to abandon that knockoff Eminem hairdo. The World No.1 switched to the look earlier this month and has been on a downward trajectory ever since, losing comfortably to Sinner in that gaudy Six Kings affair before a shock elimination to Cameron Norrie at this week’s Paris Masters.
The British lefty has been Alcaraz’s boogeyman, winning three of their eight career meetings. Alcaraz looked out of sorts on the new (and slow) Paris La Defense Arena, committing 54 unforced errors as Norrie’s heavy topspin dictated proceedings.
The burden of genius
It was a chastening defeat that brought Alcaraz’s 17-match Masters winning streak to an end. This type of random defeat is far more common with Alcaraz than it is with Sinner (just think Goffin in Miami earlier this year). The maverick Spanish- at his best- probably elevates the game to a level we have never seen before. But he lacks the type of robotic efficiency that makes Sinner almost impervious to upset defeats. The loss has opened the door for arch-nemesis Jannik Sinner, who now has a chance to briefly usurp Alcaraz atop the world rankings.
Sinner can rent the No.1 ranking for a week
Due to the curious nature of the ATP ranking system, Sinner has the chance to steal the World No.1 ranking for one week with victory in Paris. Sinner obviously won last year’s season-ending ATP Finals, meaning he will automatically surrender those points as he prepares to defend his season-ending title (weird, I know). The Italian- who won in Vienna last week- eased past Belgian Zizou Bergs in his opener, underlining his desire to take this No.1 race down to the wire. Sinner’s victory over the Belgian made it 22 consecutive indoor hardcourt victories for the Italian powerhouse (ominous form going into this section of the season). Sinner spent 65 weeks atop the world rankings in his last stint, incredibly managing to retain the top spot despite that much-discussed three-month doping suspension. If he is to win in Paris, Sinner will enjoy a 66th week at the summit of the world rankings.
The battle for season-ending No.1 is wide open
If Sinner does go on to claim the Paris title, the season-ending No.1 spot suddenly becomes completely up for grabs. Sinner- who obviously won at the Inalpi Arena last year- would then need to emerge as an undefeated champ in Turin (highly plausible). If that were the case, Alcaraz would need to reach the final with at least one group stage win, or go undefeated during group play to end the year World No.1. So, the World No.1 ranking will still be on Alcaraz’s racquet regardless of what happens in Paris. But imagine the pressure on Alcaraz, who is yet to claim a season-ending title in his glittering career. If Sinner claims Parisian glory, Alcaraz will be forced to produce his best tennis behind enemy lines (the passionate Italian crowds will no doubt be rooting for all his opponents).
A league of their own
The following weeks will mark the latest chapter in a rivalry which is fast approaching all-time status (even if the portmanteau of Sinneraz is a bit of a stretch). The two shared the last eight slams, meeting in the final of the last three. There is a chance that Alcaraz could finish the year ranked 2nd in the world despite winning eight titles! In fact, the Spaniard would become the first man since 05’ Nadal to win eight titles in a year and not finish No.1. That’s how hard these two are pushing each other. And I’m just happy to be here for it.
