Alcaraz–Sinner Rivalry Defines 2025 Tennis Season as Women’s Game Delivers Drama

ISLAMABAD: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner turned the 2025 tennis season into a compelling battle for supremacy, sharing the Grand Slam titles for a second consecutive year, while the women’s game showcased depth and unpredictability with four different major champions.

Sinner began the year in commanding fashion, defeating Alexander Zverev to retain his Australian Open title and become the first Italian player to win three Grand Slams, surpassing Nicola Pietrangeli’s long-standing record. His season took a dramatic turn in February when he served a three-month suspension related to anti-doping violations from 2024.

Upon his return, Sinner reignited his era-defining rivalry with Alcaraz in a historic five-set final at the French Open. Alcaraz produced one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history, saving three match points to win the longest Roland Garros final on record at five hours and 29 minutes, cementing his status as the new “Prince of Clay” in the post-Rafael Nadal era.

The rivalry, dubbed “Sincaraz,” continued at Wimbledon, where Sinner avenged his Paris defeat by overcoming Alcaraz to claim his first title at the All England Club. Their showdown culminated at the US Open, where Alcaraz dominated the final after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, extending the Serb’s wait for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Alcaraz, who now holds six Grand Slam titles compared to Sinner’s four, said the rivalry continues to push him forward. He will next aim to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam when he competes at the Australian Open.

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The women’s circuit produced major surprises throughout the year. Madison Keys captured her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka at the age of 29. Coco Gauff lifted the French Open trophy after beating Sabalenka in the final, while Iga Swiatek delivered a dominant performance at Wimbledon, winning the final without conceding a game against Amanda Anisimova.

Anisimova rebounded to reach the US Open final, but Sabalenka retained her title to take her Grand Slam tally to four. Sabalenka’s season ended on a disappointing note as Elena Rybakina claimed the WTA Finals title in Riyadh, earning a record $5.235 million after a flawless campaign.

Off the court, prize money and governance became major talking points, with the Professional Tennis Players’ Association filing a lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies and top players pushing Grand Slam organizers for increased revenue sharing.

Despite limited opportunities beyond the top two in the men’s game, Novak Djokovic delivered memorable moments, winning his 100th career title in Geneva and his 101st in Athens. The season was also marked by the passing of tennis greats Nicola Pietrangeli and former coach Nikola Pilic.

Italy ended the year on a high, retaining both the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup titles, while Sinner capped off the season by defeating newly crowned world number one Alcaraz to defend his ATP Finals crown.