On a day full of expectations, Carlos Alcaraz, Number 2 in the ATP ranking, e.g Jannik Sinner, No. 4 met on Thursday on the same court at the Ferrero Tennis Academy. This meeting was not about competition but about training together ahead of the 2024 season, a gesture that symbolizes their unique combination of rivalry and mutual respect.
2023 was an extremely successful year for both players. Spaniard Alcaraz maintained his position as world No. 1 for several weeks and claimed six ATP Tour titles, including his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. On the other hand, Sinner, the rising Italian star, won four trophies, ended the year in great form, reached the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and contributed to a second Davis Cup title for Italy in Malaga, beating Djokovic defeated semifinals.
Sinner, who is spending a few days in Alicante to prepare for the season, has planned several training sessions with his Italian team, including this important visit to Villena to train with Alcaraz. Alcaraz was accompanied by Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez, the latter being the coach who will accompany him to Australia. Ferrero will not be able to travel due to an arthroscopy in his left knee. However, Sinner was under the watchful eye of Simone Vagnozzi, one of his trainers.
In addition to their heated rivalry on the court, Alcaraz and Sinner have a long friendship that dates back to their time in the lower categories of the circuit and continues on the ATP Tour.
Both players begin their official 2024 seasons at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, bringing with them not only expectations of success but also the symbol of a sporting competition that goes beyond mere rivalry and embraces respect and friendship.
Francesco Paolo Villarico
