The two best men's players in the world are reconfiguring the sport before their opponents' eyes. They don't know what to do about it

When Carlos Alcaraz is on court for a training session, perhaps working on his newly revamped service motion, he's doing so to buttress a game already good enough to claim four Grand Slam titles. He's also got his young rival,

Carlos Alcaraz has confessed that Jannik Sinner lives “in his head” when practising. The young champions have already formed an exciting rivalry and split the Grand Slams between them last year. They could now take it to the next level at the Australian Open, where they are on a collision course for their first Major final showdown.

Carlos Alcaraz was in fine form as he cruised to a first-round win at the Australian Open, but it was his comments on Jannik Sinner which drew attention.

Carlos Alcaraz apologised to Jannik Sinner after criticising the world No.1 following his opening-round win at the Australian Open. Alcaraz looked at his very best in the straight sets victory against Alexander Shevchenko, taking the game 6-1, 7-5, 6-1

FILE - Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during the Davis Cup final tennis match between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

MELBOURNE – Carlos Alcaraz said on Jan 11 that his burgeoning rivalry with Jannik Sinner brought out the best in him, with the Spanish star driven by winning more Grand Slam titles and toppling the Italian as world No. 1.

The top-ranked Sinner, who is the defending champion at Melbourne Park, and No. 3 Alcaraz are coming off a 2024 season in which they each won two Grand Slam titles.

Exclusive - Barbara Schett answers a big question on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's Australian Open preparations.