Top five tennis rivalries to watch out for in 2025

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are featured in top rivalries.

The 2024 calendar year marked the end of an iconic era in tennis with Rafael Nadal‘s retirement, bringing to a close over a decade of legendary rivalry among the “Big Three.” Though Novak Djokovic continues to compete, his recent performances since the Paris Olympics indicate that his dominance is waning, signaling the twilight of this golden generation.

Tennis fans should cherish the privilege of witnessing the sport’s golden era. As time progresses, it has opened the door for the new generation of players who are steadily making their mark and shaping the future of tennis.

On that note, let’s dive into the top five rivalries to watch out for in 2025, as the next generation of tennis stars continue to raise the bar and deliver electrifying matchups.

Tennis rivalries to watch in 2025

Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng

The two players developed a fiery relationship this year, with either player not hiding their emotions on the court when they turn up against the other. Aryna Sabalenka dominated this rivalry beating the Chinese in the final of the 2024 Australian Open. The duo battled four times in the calendar year and Sabalenka defeated Qinwen Zheng on all four occasions.

Their most recent encounter was at the WTA Finals, where Zheng was defeated decisively by the Belarusian in straight sets. However, the Chinese star has demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt. As the 2025 season unfolds, this rivalry could reach new heights, with both players eager to outshine each other and claim dominance on the court.

Alexander Zverev vs Taylor Fritz

One of the most intense and controversial rivalries of the year has been between Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, ignited during their epic Wimbledon Round of 16 clash. The five-set thriller showcased the duo’s exceptional skills and fierce competitiveness, setting the stage for more captivating encounters in the future.

The duo faced each other five times this year, with Fritz emerging victorious in the last four encounters. Their rivalry extended beyond the court, involving families and adding an intriguing layer of drama. As both players strive to rise in the rankings, their intense matchups promise to be a highlight in the coming season.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have demonstrated they are the future of tennis, with their electrifying rallies and breathtaking winners evoking memories of the Big Three at their peak. Despite Sinner’s purple patch, the duo faced off four times this year, with Alcaraz claiming victory in three encounters.

Alcaraz endured a challenging second half of the year, marked by a loss in the Olympic final, an early exit from the US Open, and a defeat to Sinner at the Six Kings Slam. Nevertheless, their rivalry promises to be the centerpiece of tennis not only in the upcoming year but possibly for the next decade. Fans might even witness these two powerhouses face off in the Australian Open final. 

Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka

The two best women’s singles players of the current era, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek, will continue their on-court battles, with 2024 seeing Sabalenka surpass Swiatek to become the new World No. 1. Despite missing months of tennis due to a gruesome shoulder injury, the Belarusian managed to edge out Swiatek, who had held the apex position for over a year.

Despite these events, Swiatek maintains the lead in their head-to-head record. However, the 2025 season is crucial for her, as she will be determined to climb the rankings and prevent Sabalenka from defending her US Open title.

Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz

The greatest rivalry of the past two years represents the clash between a modern-day legend and a future star. Novak Djokovic, though nearing the twilight of his career, delivered one of his most remarkable tournament runs at the Paris Games, where he claimed his maiden Olympic Gold without dropping a single set, completing an extraordinary achievement by winning everything possible.

Since then, Djokovic has had a year to forget. However, the new year promises fresh beginnings, and the Serbian is just one Grand Slam away from becoming the most successful tennis player statistically (currently tied at 24 Grand Slams with Martina Navratilova).

Carlos Alcaraz will aim to replicate his heroics from Wimbledon, where he outlasted Djokovic more straightforwardly than in the 2023 final. Whether Djokovic has one last push in him to claim another major is a question that time will answer.

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