Jannik Sinner-Carlos Alcaraz emulate Federer-Nadal, Djokovic-Nadal rivalries with Cincinnati Open final meeting

The last time a Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz final took place was in Wimbledon 2025.

It is no exaggeration to say that men’s tennis is now ruled by two names—Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Their growing rivalry has come to dominate the sport, somewhat recalling the great duels of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the early 2000s.

Together, Alcaraz and Sinner once again have joined an elite club once reserved for the legendary Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

At the Cincinnati Open 2025, the duo will meet in their fourth consecutive final in big events, after previously clashing in the title rounds of the Italian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon.

Such consistency at the highest level has only been seen twice before in the Open Era: Federer vs Nadal in 2006, and Nadal vs Djokovic in 2011.

Men's duos this century to face in the final of four consecutive big events (that both players entered):Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, 2006Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, 2011Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, 2025Intertwined. pic.twitter.com/61fj0mG91e

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 17, 2025

Sinner’s journey this year has been far from smooth. After successfully defending his Australian Open crown, he served a three-month doping ban. This was an obstacle that might have derailed many tennis careers. But, instead, it fueled the 24-year-old’s determination.

Returning into action after 90 days of ban, at home at the Italian Open, Sinner fought his way to the final, only to fall in two tight sets against Alcaraz, 7–6(5), 1–6.

However, their rivalry reached new heights at Roland Garros 2025, where the two battled what is now considered one of the greatest finals in tennis history. In a five-hour, 29-minute Sinner vs Alcaraz battle, the Spaniard edged out Sinner 4–6, 6–7, 6–4, 7–6, 7–6.

Also Read: Top five all-time best men’s singles Grand Slam finals

This was the longest French Open final ever and the second-longest major final of all time, behind only the 2012 Australian Open classic.

Just weeks later, Sinner struck back on grass. At Wimbledon 2025, he denied Alcaraz back-to-back titles, winning 4–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 in a dazzling summit clash.

In doing so, he became the first Italian man to win Wimbledon in the tournament’s 148-year history. The win gave the World No.1 his maiden title at the All England Club.

The rivalry continues 🍿 pic.twitter.com/KXrvCyKkay

— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 17, 2025

Now, the pair prepares for another showdown in Cincinnati ATP Masters 1000 event, just ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season US Open 2025.

This journey to the four final clashes between two arch-rivals Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz, is just as Federer vs Nadal did in 2006 and Nadal vs Djokovic in 2011.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner likely to skip US Open Mixed doubles Championships

In 2006, Nadal and Federer played four consecutive finals, across Dubai, Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros, with Nadal winning three.

In 2011, Nadal and Djokovic clashed in six finals, including Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, Wimbledon, and the US Open, all won by Djokovic.

The Cincinnati Open 2025 final will be held on August 19, Tuesday at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.

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