“I think their rivalry is amazing. What they have done in the previous two years is remarkable for both of these players,” Novak Djokovic said ahead of the US Open press conference, perfectly capturing the fierce battle tennis fans have cherished between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The two have dominated the last eight Grand Slams, often trading blows in the shadow of Djokovic himself, who relentlessly chases his next major. Now, as the season shifts toward the Asian swing, tennis insiders are debating which of these rising stars will ultimately reach the 25-Grand Slam milestone.

In a recent episode of Nothing Major Podcast, the hosts tackled fan questions, including a hot topic: “Who has the best chance of winning 25 Grand Slams?” Steve Johnson didn’t hesitate, saying, “I’m taking Carlos, then Sinner, then Novak,” while Sam Querrey added, “I’m taking Carlos, too. I hate like no disrespect to Novak.” Jack Sock chimed in, “I think of the same exact lineup. I think Carlos Sinner is like 50/50 for me, then Novak is third, which is scary to say,” and John Isner admitted, “I go back and forth between Sinner and Alcaraz. I was team Sinner like before the US Open. Then after the US Open, I’m like I’m back on team Alcaraz.” Clearly, the new generation has the spotlight, with insiders leaning toward the rising stars.

The reasoning is clear. This year, Novak Djokovic faced a grueling Grand Slam schedule and opted out of ATP events entirely after Roland Garros to maximize his 25th major title chances. “I decided not to play because I wanted to spend more time with my family,” Djokovic explained during US Open Media Day. “And to be honest, you know, I think I earned my right and have the luxury of kind of choosing, picking and choosing where I want to go and what I want to play.”

Yet, despite this calculated approach, Djokovic could not reach a final at any Slam this year. He reached the semifinals consistently, but heartbreak struck early at the Australian Open when he retired after the first set against Alexander Zverev. At the French Open and Wimbledon, he fell to Sinner, and at the US Open, Alcaraz ended his run, proving that even the most meticulous planning can’t guarantee victories.

Meanwhile, the Alcaraz-Sinner mania has captured the tennis world. Sinner’s impressive Australian Open and Wimbledon titles made headlines, while Alcaraz’s French Open comeback and US Open victory solidified his status. Alcaraz now holds six Grand Slams, with Sinner at four, making the pair the new titans in men’s tennis. The top two are punishing tournaments with relentless intensity, redefining what dominance looks like post-Big 3.

While Djokovic’s 25th Slam appears increasingly uncertain, achieving a 24th would still be a monumental feat for the Sincaraz duo. Both Alcaraz and Sinner face immense pressure and must maintain peak form to even match Djokovic’s historic consistency. The era of the “Big 3” may be waning, but the battles for Grand Slam supremacy are more thrilling than ever.

As the Shanghai Masters approaches, Djokovic remains a looming threat to both Alcaraz and Sinner. The veteran’s experience and resilience ensure that the chase for 25 Slams is far from over, with every tournament a stage for drama, skill, and high-stakes tennis history.

Novak Djokovic’s best chance to topple Sinner and Alcaraz in a best-of-two format

2025 hasn’t been the most fruitful year for Novak Djokovic. Beyond capturing his 100th ATP Tour singles title at the Geneva Open, his Grand Slam and Masters campaigns have been far from dominant. Yet as the Shanghai Masters looms, tennis analyst Simon Rea believes the Serb could find a path to resurgence. In a recent YouTube upload by Australian Open TV, Rea broke down why the October tournament might suit Djokovic perfectly.

Speaking with hosts Xave and Brie, Simon Rea, a seasoned tennis strategist from New Zealand, highlighted how the best-of-three-sets format in Shanghai could play to Djokovic’s advantage. “He recently said in his press conference at the US Open that he feels he has more to give in the game when playing best-of-three sets rather than best-of-five, especially against some of the younger players,” Rea noted.

The analyst explained that in a best-of-three format, players typically conserve more energy in early rounds, leaving reserves for the semifinals and finals. This structure could allow Djokovic to avoid the physical drain that often comes with five-set battles at Grand Slams.

Rea emphasized that the Shanghai Masters offers Djokovic a prime chance for redemption after his US Open exit. The tournament’s condensed matches could favor his tactical experience, mental toughness, and ability to seize critical moments against younger opponents.

With the Shanghai Masters approaching, the burning question remains: can Djokovic finally capture the title he fell short of last year? 

If the Serb leverages his energy, strategy, and unmatched court craft, a comeback victory is far from impossible.