Jannik Sinner responds when asked who is the best player right now out of him and Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner was asked on May 17, 2025, during the Italian Open who he considers the best player between himself and Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner, ever humble, sidestepped a definitive answer, saying, “It’s tough to say who’s the best. We both play at a high level, and it depends on the day, the surface, the moment. Carlos is incredible, and I just try to compete with him.” This response, reported by The Tennis Gazette, reflects Sinner’s focus on their rivalry rather than claiming superiority.[](https://www.thetennisgazette.com/news/jannik-sinner-responds-when-asked-who-is-the-best-player-right-now-out-of-him-and-carlos-alcaraz/)

The question came ahead of their blockbuster Italian Open final on May 18, 2025, where Alcaraz won 7-6(5), 6-4, leveling their head-to-head at 5-5, per ATPTour.com. Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated men’s tennis, sweeping the six biggest events since early 2024, with Sinner holding the No. 1 ranking and Alcaraz at No. 3. Earlier in February 2025, Alcaraz praised Sinner as “the best right now,” citing his consistency and low loss count, per X posts by @josemorgado and @TheTennisLetter.[](https://www.atptour.com/en/news/sinner-paul-rome-2025-friday)[](https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/jannik-sinner-carlos-alcaraz-rome-final-10-things-to-know-facts-stats)

Fans on X are split, with @Olly_Tennis_ noting Alcaraz’s acknowledgment of Sinner’s edge, while others, like @TennisConnected, argue Alcaraz’s clutch play in big moments, like Rome, tips the scales. Both players’ versatility—Sinner’s baseline precision and Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism—makes the debate surface-dependent. Sinner’s response underscores his respect for Alcaraz, avoiding ego and keeping the focus on their competitive dynamic as they head toward Roland Garros.