This year, the World No.1 and No.2 have been writing every chapter of the ATP’s biggest rivalry. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have surpassed expectations, thrilling crowds at every stop. So far, they’ve clashed in five finals, including three Grand Slams: Paris, London, and most recently New York. In Paris, they broke records with a five-and-a-half-hour epic at Roland Garros. At Wimbledon and the US Open, they dethroned each other as defending champions. From marathon duels to title steals, they’ve done it all. Now, a new stage awaits to test the fire of the “New Two.”

Both players are easing back from their short post-US Open break and will reunite on the Asian Swing soon. In the meantime, eyes turned to Davis Cup qualifying. Alcaraz skipped the event due to fatigue, but he’ll likely return for the Finals. The draw in Bologna unleashed sizzling quarterfinals, with Italy leading as top seeds and Spain handed a tough opener against Czechia.

Now, here’s the catch: Should Spain and Italy surpass their obstacles, the Spaniard could lead his team into another showdown with Jannik Sinner! As tennis journalist Jose Morgado pointed out on X, “Davis Cup Finals draw: Sinner vs. Alcaraz only in the final but Spain got a tough opener 🔥.” How?

Well, three-time champions Italy, winners of a two-peat in 2023 and 2024, will headline the Davis Cup Final 8 after Wednesday’s draw in Bologna. The Italians face Austria in the quarter-finals, while second seeds Germany take on Argentina in another clash. France, seeded third, collides with Belgium, while Spain meets the Czech Republic to cap off a stacked draw.

The qualification was full of fireworks. Spain rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to edge Denmark 3-2. Belgium shocked 28-time champions Australia. Germany crushed Japan, France brushed past Croatia, and Argentina ousted last year’s runners-up, the Netherlands. A mix of upsets and statement wins has set the stage for a blockbuster finish to the season.

The last time Sinner and Alcaraz met, it was the Spaniard who came out on top. Alcaraz lifted his second US Open title and snatched back the No.1 ranking from Jannik. But the Italian has been the heartbeat of his Davis Cup team, leading them through two victories. Will this be the ground for redemption? After all, Sinner is openly chasing improvement—and looking to add a little more unpredictability.

Jannik Sinner talks about getting better against Alcaraz

On September 7, Sinner and Alcaraz squared off again in New York, and after 2 hours and 42 minutes, it was the Spaniard who stood tall with his second US Open crown. His run was ruthless (21 sets to 1) and capped with Slam No.6. Just like that, he roared back to reclaim the world No.1, a throne he first sat on more than a year ago.

After the match, Jannik Sinner was gutted but honest. He didn’t hide in his post-match presser: “I was very predictable on court today. He changed up the game. That’s also his style of how he plays. Now it’s gonna be on me if I want to make changes or not. We’re definitely gonna work on that.” He admitted he missed chances too, saying he should’ve played “a lot of drop shots. Then you arrive at the point where you have to play Carlos, you have to go out of the comfort zone.”

The sting cut even deeper given his streak, 27 straight major wins on hard courts before the final. But Carlos tore it up, beating him for the fourth straight time. The No.1 Italian still found perspective. “I’m gonna aim… maybe even lose some matches from now on, but trying to do some changes. To be a bit more unpredictable as a player. That’s what I have to do, trying to become a better tennis player. At the end of the day that’s my main goal.”

On the other hand, Alcaraz wasn’t having that “predictable” talk. “I wouldn’t say that (Sinner is predictable). Like him, I watch and study a lot of his games. I love the way he plays, and what he does is incredible. I don’t think he’s predictable, but we just know each other better and better,” he told El País.

Now, it’s coming to the end of the season after five finals this year. Three Slams, two Masters, and four wins for Alcaraz. But the next stop is Turin for the ATP Finals, November 9-16, and then Bologna’s Davis Cup Final 8, November 18-23. Who will come out as the victor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!