Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander recently stated that Carlos Alcaraz is a better player than Jannik Sinner, despite the current ATP rankings indicating otherwise.
Sinner achieved World No. 1 ranking for the first time this week, following an impressive performance in the first half of the season with victories at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, and Miami.
With 33 wins from 36 matches, the 22-year-old is at the top of the rankings, ending Djokovic’s dominance. Close behind is Carlos Alcaraz, now ranked World No. 2 after his recent victory at Roland Garros.
Alcaraz claimed the Roland Garros title by defeating Alexander Zverev in the final. Wilander, who covered the event for Eurosport, observed both players closely and voiced his opinion on the comparison between Sinner and Alcaraz based on his spectator’s perspective.
Wilander commented in an interview with L’Equipe, praising Alcaraz for his aggressive game and mental strength, stating that rankings do not always reflect the true abilities of players. According to Wilander, Alcaraz’s style gives him an edge over Sinner.
“Carlos Alcaraz has shown that he does not have to play his best tennis to win. He will be able to win many more Slams thanks to his aggressive game and the great courage he shows in important points. The match result always depends on his performance. Sinner is World No. 1 only because of the ‘computer’, but Alcaraz is better.”
Wilander currently leads in head-to-head matchups against Sinner with a 5-4 record. Notably, he defeated Sinner in this year’s Roland Garros semifinal.
Alcaraz has been responsible for two of Sinner’s three losses this year, including a victory at the Indian Wells Masters in March.
