“Every year is different feelings,” said four-time slam winner Jannik Sinner last season after leading his country to a second-straight Davis Cup title. “Obviously coming back as defending champions and winning again, it’s one of the best feelings I think for all of us.” The former World No.2 has spearheaded Italy’s campaign in a dominating way in back-to-back years. His archrival, Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, hasn’t been so lucky. Not to mention the hectic schedule that has prevented him from serving national duties for Spain more frequently. While the upcoming Davis Cup may guarantee a Sinner-Alcaraz final, the question is: will the two ATP powerhouses even play?

In the last four years, Carlos Alcaraz has only appeared in two Davis Cup editions for Spain (2022 and 2024). On the other hand, Sinner has been a consistent part of Italy’s national team in the prestigious tournament. Since 2021, he’s played in every Davis Cup event. How about his availability this time around? During a recent media interaction, former ATP pro and President of the Italian Tennis Federation Angelo Binaghi shared an update on the four-time major champion’s prospects. When asked to comment on both Alcaraz and Sinner’s participation, he said, “I believe it’s also a problem for Spain regarding Alcaraz. I think it’s too early to know if they will manage,” while stressing how “Jannik has done in the last two years, to play in the Davis Cup.”

Binaghi further mentioned how the Italian “machine” has been “the true leader of our team in the last two victories, and I believe he has already proven everything, among many things showing his attachment to the blue jersey and the values it represents more than anyone else.” Back in 2023, Sinner ended Italy’s 47-year-old title drought. After 1976, the country won its maiden trophy thanks to the former No.1’s valuable contributions alongside other teammates. He did the same last year, too, to help Italy clinch a third overall Davis Cup title.

Following their hectic schedule in Wimbledon, Cincinnati, and then the US Open, Alcaraz and Sinner may opt for a break instead. Leading up to the Davis Cup in November, they both will have more events to compete in. And after their respective campaigns are over, it’s tough to imagine seeing them stepping on the court again, overwhelmed with non-stop tennis. For the uninitiated, Alcaraz didn’t play during Spain’s Davis Cup qualifying stage this month following his triumphant US Open run.

As of now, one can only make assumptions since neither player has really shared any updates on their Davis Cup plans. But one thing is clear: they are going to stay very-very busy for the coming weeks.

Where will Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner play next after the US Open?

Earlier this month, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner met during the summit clash in New York. In their fifteenth face-off, the Spaniard emerged victorious. He not only beat the Italian to clinch a sixth overall slam but also reclaimed the No.1 position in the rankings.

Following his epic win, Alcaraz reacted, “Since I got the chance to recover the No. 1, it was one of the first goals that I had during the season, just to try to recover the No. 1 as soon as possible or end the year as the No. 1. To achieve that once again, it is a dream,” reported the US Open website on September 7.

Now when it comes to the road ahead in 2025, Carlos Alcaraz is set to appear in San Francisco. This week, he will play in the Laver Cup which Jannik Sinner has sat out of, representing Team Europe (winners of last season) against Team World. Next week, the world No.1 will participate in the Japan Open in Tokyo. He will make his debut in this ATP 500 event. Also next week, Sinner will return to the court with his China Open campaign.

The Italian won the event in 2023 but couldn’t repeat the feat last year. Carlos Alcaraz bested him in the final in Beijing. However, since the latter won’t appear in this ATP 500 tournament, this time means that Sinner may have a clear shot at his second China Open trophy.