Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s prediction of a lasting rivalry, made during an ice bath chat at Wimbledon 2022, has come to fruition following their thrilling Wimbledon 2025 final. Sinner defeated Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on July 13, claiming his first Wimbledon title and snapping Alcaraz’s five-match winning streak against him. The encounter echoed their earlier foresight, solidifying their status as tennis’s next great duo.
Their rivalry began to take shape during their 2022 Wimbledon fourth-round match, where Sinner, then 20, beat a 19-year-old Alcaraz in four sets. Post-match, Sinner reflected on their level of play, saying, “Hopefully this is going to be the case… it’s great for tennis to have new names,” while Alcaraz expressed hope for a long-term rivalry, noting their good relationship. This ice bath conversation, a rare moment of camaraderie amid competition, laid the groundwork for their competitive bond.
Since then, their encounters have defined men’s tennis, with seven of the last eight Grand Slams won between them. The 2025 Wimbledon final, a rematch of the epic French Open where Alcaraz staged a comeback, showcased their mutual push for excellence. Sinner’s victory, avenging his Paris loss, highlighted his growth, while Alcaraz’s gracious defeat underscored their respect. Their shared history, from that 2022 ice bath to now, proves their early vision was spot on, setting the stage for future battles.
