Full Breakdown
Sabalenka Says She Relates More to Jannik Sinner Than to Carlos Alcaraz
7/23/2026, 8:19:02 PM
Core Preference Revealed
Belarusian world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka told the First&Red YouTube channel that she naturally prefers Jannik Sinner because their playing styles are similar. She explained that both she and Sinner possess strong forehands, backhands and serves and favor an aggressive approach to points.
Recent Dominance of the Three Stars
Since the start of 2024, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and Italian Jannik Sinner have each captured five of the last eleven Grand Slam titles, together holding seven and five majors respectively. Their rivalry has produced seventeen head-to-head meetings, with Alcaraz leading 10-7. Sabalenka has occupied the WTA world No. 1 ranking since October 2024, marking her 100th week at the top. From 2024 onward she added eleven career titles, six of which were hard-court victories earned alongside Sinner.
Style Comparisons and Mutual Respect
Sabalenka praised Alcaraz’s movement, court vision and relentless effort on every ball, noting his willingness to adjust his serve even after reaching the summit of the rankings. She highlighted his openness to new ideas as a hallmark of his game, while emphasizing that the similarity she feels with Sinner lies in their shared aggressive baseline tactics.
Tournament Highlights 2024-2025
The trio’s 2024 season featured a sweep of major hard-court events: Sabalenka and Sinner won the Australian Open in their respective draws, followed by victories at the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. During the Asian swing they each captured a 1000-point title—Shanghai for Sinner (ATP) and Wuhan for Sabalenka (WTA)—and completed the “Sunshine Double” by winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open. In 2025, both Sabalenka and Sinner suffered heartbreaking defeats in the French Open final. Sabalenka recalled Alcaraz’s dramatic three-match-point comeback over Sinner at Roland-Garros 2025, and admitted she was rooting for Sinner at Wimbledon 2025 after that loss.
Commentary and Reception
Columnists have noted Sabalenka’s candid admiration for both rivals, emphasizing that her preference for Sinner does not diminish her respect for Alcaraz’s rapid rise and dynamic play. The interview adds a personal dimension to the ongoing narrative of the three players’ dominance on the modern tennis circuit.
