Fabio Fognini, the 38-year-old Italian tennis veteran and former world No. 7, has provided a fascinating breakdown of the contrasting styles and personalities of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the two young stars dominating the men’s game. In a recent interview on the *Supernova* podcast with Alessandro Cattelan, aired on September 15, 2025, Fognini emphasized how the Italian No. 1 and Spanish phenom represent the future of tennis, but with distinct approaches that set them apart. As Alcaraz and Sinner prepare for a potential rematch at the Shanghai Masters next month, Fognini’s analysis sheds light on why their rivalry captivates fans and why he sees a “solco” (gap) between them and the rest of the tour.
Sinner’s Lucidity vs. Alcaraz’s Passion: Fognini’s Take
Fognini, who has faced both players—losing to Sinner in straight sets at the 2023 Davis Cup and to Alcaraz in a five-set Wimbledon thriller in 2025—drew from personal experience to highlight their differences. “Today there’s a solco between the first two in the ranking and all the others,” Fognini said. “Jannik is lucidissimo after the US Open. He’s calm, methodical, and doesn’t let emotions get in the way. Carlos, on the other hand, is more like me—he plays with passion and fire, which is both a strength and a limit.”
He elaborated on Alcaraz’s expressive style: “Carlos loves to have fun and wasn’t afraid to admit it in his documentary, which is why he received criticism. He needs to recharge his batteries periodically to play his best tennis.” Fognini contrasted this with Sinner’s stoic demeanor, noting the Italian’s ability to stay composed under pressure. “Jannik knows Sinner better because we Italians follow him more, cheer for him more,” Fognini added, reflecting national pride. Their rivalry, which has produced three Grand Slam finals in 2025 alone (Alcaraz leads 6-4 head-to-head), exemplifies this dynamic: Sinner’s precision versus Alcaraz’s flair.
Fognini, who retired from singles in 2024 but continues in doubles, sees echoes of his own career in Alcaraz. “I was more like Carlos—it’s a limit and a pregio (strength),” he said. “When I told myself ‘disconnect, have fun,’ it worked: I’d put away the racquet and restring it the day before training.” For Sinner, Fognini praised his evolution, particularly his forehand, which he noted was once a weakness but has become a weapon under coach Darren Cahill.
The Rivalry’s Impact on Tennis
Fognini’s comments come at a pivotal time, with Alcaraz (world No. 1) fresh off his US Open win over Sinner and Sinner (No. 2) vowing to evolve after the loss. Their 2025 battles—Alcaraz taking the French Open and US Open, Sinner the Australian Open and Wimbledon—have elevated the sport, drawing comparisons to the Big Three era. Fognini acknowledged this: “Sinner and Alcaraz are on another level. They’ll dominate for years.” He also touched on coaching’s role, noting how both players prepare meticulously: “The real strategy is planned beforehand—they know each other inside out.”
The Italian veteran, a 2019 Monte Carlo champion with 6 ATP titles, retired from singles after a 2025 Wimbledon loss to Alcaraz but continues in doubles. His insights, blending admiration and analysis, underscore the duo’s potential to redefine tennis.
Fan and Expert Reactions
Fans on social media praised Fognini’s balanced view. One X post read: “Fognini nailing it—Sinner’s ice-cold, Alcaraz’s fire. That’s why their matches are epic!” (@TennisFanatic22). Another noted: “Love Fabio calling out Alcaraz’s fun side—Carlos needs those breaks to stay sharp” (@TheTennisLetter). Experts like Diego Nargiso echoed, highlighting Sinner’s forehand improvement as a key differentiator.
As Alcaraz and Sinner gear up for Shanghai, Fognini’s breakdown reminds us of their unique paths: one methodical, the other passionate. In tennis’s new era, their rivalry promises endless drama.
