Eight Grand Slam titles. That’s how many Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have won in the last two years. This year alone, Sinner and Alcaraz have already faced one another in the Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and Cincinnati Masters finals. Although Sinner had to retire after barely a set in Ohio due to illness, he’s on track to return for the US Open. So it’s no wonder the media see the pair as ‘gatekeepers‘ of almost every major tournament.

So when Frances Tiafoe sat down for a chat during the pre-tournament presser, reporters couldn’t help but ask the contender for his two cents on the Sinner-Alcaraz dominance. However, Tiafoe didn’t seem to share the reverence many have developed for the duo. “It is what it is,” said the 27-year-old. “There’s always been guys, quote unquote… gatekeeping the tour,” added the American.

Yet it doesn’t seem the Maryland native is losing any sleep over it. “I mean, respect. Those guys are incredible players. So young, and they’re going to be at the top of the game for a while, but we can’t be out there just putting them on pedestals,” Frances Tiafoe said about Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Tiafoe hinted that just because the duo is dominating now, it doesn’t mean they’re invincible.

“I have a ton of respect for those guys, but at the same time, if we link up and draw, I believe I can beat them,” the 27-year-old added. Surprisingly, Jannik Sinner himself shares a similar view of his and Alcaraz’s rivalry being front and center of tennis right now. “At the moment, me and Carlos, we are sharing big trophies, but at the same time, things can change,” Sinner said during his turn with the media.

“You never know. There are great, great players out there,” the 2025 Wimbledon champion added. What’s more? The Italian believes that after watching him and Alcaraz play regularly, the competition is adjusting. And that’s another reason why the 24-year-old believes his rivalry with the Spanish champion is so important, as it helps them both evolve. And talking about the rivalry, Sinner will have the opportunity to keep it alive for the final Grand Slam of the year.

Jannik Sinner’s hopeful update

The defending US Open champion’s ill-fated Cincinnati final wasn’t something he saw coming. Although the finalist didn’t feel great the night before the match with Alcaraz, he thought he could sleep it off. “I thought that I would improve during the night, but it came up worse,” Sinner admitted after throwing in the towel, but not before he struggled through the first set.

During the clash, Jannik Sinner looked pale and fatigued in the 31°C (87°F) heat and 57% humidity. After a point, he just couldn’t continue, and the trophy went to Carlos Alcaraz. “I’m so sorry for Jannik! Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!” the Spaniard wrote after the match. Thankfully, Sinner seems to be doing just that.

Sinner had good news when he spoke to journalists ahead of the US Open. “I’m firstly very happy to be back here… Physically, I feel good. I have recovered mostly, not 100% yet, but we are aiming to be there in a couple of days. So should be all fine for the tournament,” the defending US Open champion assured the media. What’s more? The champion is expecting tough competition.

With the US Open being the final Grand Slam of the season, Jannik Sinner believes everyone will give this their best shot. And from what Frances Tiafoe had to say, it’s pretty clear that he would love to defeat either of the dominant rivals on his way to the title. “The game needs something new. I love those guys. Shout out to both those guys, but we need something new,” Tiafoe added. So it’s safe to say the competition will be fierce.