LONDON — The tennis landscape has undergone a seismic shift. For nearly two decades, the Grand Slam gates were guarded by the twin titans of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, with Roger Federer setting the precedent. To win a major, you had to go through them. I know, because I did it. Now, a new duopoly is forming, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner sharing the last nine major titles. For the chasing pack—the Zverevs, Medvedevs, Rublevs, and the next generation—this feels like a daunting new reality. But from my experience, it’s a conquerable one. Here is my advice for the rivals of Alcaraz and Sinner.
The Mindset: Believe You Belong
The first and most critical battle is in your own head. Facing Djokovic or Nadal in a Slam final, there was an aura, a weight of history that could make you feel like an intruder in their kingdom. Alcaraz and Sinner, while phenomenally talented, do not yet possess that same suffocating aura of invincibility built over 20 years. They are still building their legacies. Your job is to prevent them from feeling comfortable in that process.
You must walk onto the court with the unshakeable belief that this is your title to win as much as theirs. Daniil Medvedev showed this at the 2021 US Open against Djokovic. He played the opponent, but more importantly, he played the match on his terms. The current rivals must adopt a similar siege mentality. Remember: Alcaraz and Sinner are human. They have off days. Sinner lost in the first round of Roland-Garros in 2023. Alcaraz has had lapses in concentration. The gap is not as wide as the Big Three’s was at its peak.
Tactical Flexibility is Non-Negotiable
Both new champions are incredibly complete, but they have distinct styles. Beating them requires a chameleon-like ability to adapt your game plan mid-match. You cannot be a one-trick pony.
Against Alcaraz: Disrupt the Rhythm
Carlos is a whirlwind of creativity, power, and touch. He thrives on chaos and spectacular rallies. To beat him, you must control the chaos. Do not get sucked into playing highlight-reel tennis on his terms. My advice:
- Vary the Serve: Use body serves to jam his powerful return swings. Don’t let him plant and unload.
- **Exploit the Forehand Drop Shot:** It’s a weapon, but it’s also a risk. Be ready to sprint forward early. Make him pay by passing him or forcing a difficult volley.
- Depth Over Power: Concentrate on hitting deep, heavy balls to his backhand corner to neutralize his run-around forehand. Patience is key; he will go for low-percentage winners if frustrated.
As Novak Djokovic demonstrated in the 2023 Cincinnati final, even when Alcaraz is at his physical peak, he can be worn down by relentless, error-free depth and mental fortitude in the big moments.
Against Sinner: Attack the Patterns
Jannik is a metronome of clean, devastating power. His improved serve and forehand are now the most potent one-two punch in the game. You cannot out-hit him in a straight shootout. You must break his rhythm.
- Target the Backhand Return: While vastly improved, it remains the more attackable wing, especially on the ad side. Mix in slice wide to draw errors or shorter replies.
- Use the Drop Shot (Again): Sinner stands deep to maximize his groundstroke power. A well-disguised drop shot, particularly after a series of deep balls, can pull him into uncomfortable net positions.
- Challenge the Net: His passing shots are good, but he is not a natural volleyer. Do not let him camp on the baseline. Make him come forward under pressure.
Carlos Alcaraz’s five-set win at the 2024 French Open was a masterclass in this. He disrupted Sinner’s rhythm with variety, including frequent drop shots and forays to the net, even when it wasn't always working perfectly. It prevented Sinner from finding a consistent groove.
Physical and Mental Stamina: The New Baseline
The era of outlasting one great champion in a semi-final and having an easier final is over. To win a Slam now, you will likely have to beat both Alcaraz and Sinner in back-to-back matches. This is the new, brutal requirement. Your physical preparation must be at its absolute peak. There are no shortcuts. You need the stamina to play two consecutive five-set, four-hour wars of attrition.
Mentally, this is even tougher. The euphoria of beating one must be immediately shelved. Alexander Zverev was minutes from defeating Alcaraz at the 2024 Australian Open, but the physical and mental toll of that battle may have been a factor in his straight-sets loss to Daniil Medvedev in the semis. You must have the cold, clinical ability to reset within 48 hours. As my former coach told me before a final, "The job is only half done. The bigger one is ahead."
Embrace the Role of the Hunter
There is a unique pressure that comes with being the hunted. Every player now circles matches against Alcaraz and Sinner, bringing their absolute best. This can be your advantage. Play with freedom, with aggression, and with nothing to lose. When I beat the giants, I embraced the underdog role. It allowed me to swing freely in a way they sometimes couldn’t, burdened by expectation.
Do not be intimidated by their hype or their highlights. On the day, in your match, it is just you, them, and the court. Medvedev’s victory over Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open final is a perfect blueprint. He was aggressive from the start, refused to be pushed back, and imposed his unique, disruptive game. He hunted the hunter.
Conclusion: The Window is Open
While Alcaraz and Sinner are the clear leaders of this new era, their dominance is not yet set in stone. The Big Three’s reign felt inevitable; this one feels competitive. The rivals have the tools. Zverev has the serve and backhand. Medvedev has the tactical brain and resilience. Others have the power. What they must now cultivate is the complete championship package: the belief, the tactical versatility, the physical durability, and the killer instinct to win seven matches, with the two toughest likely at the end.
My final piece of advice is this: "Do not wait for them to decline. Do not hope for an easy draw. Seize your moment now, because in tennis, eras are defined by those who dare to interrupt them." I did it against the greatest of all time. You can do it against the heirs to the throne. The battle for the next decade starts now, and it is there for the taking.