Mats Wilander, the former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion, recently shared his insights on the contrasting playing styles of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, suggesting that Sinner’s game is more replicable than Alcaraz’s unique talents. Speaking on July 14, 2025, Wilander argued that while Sinner’s approach relies on consistency, mental fortitude, and an aggressive baseline game—qualities that can be developed with dedication—Alcaraz’s style demands rare, innate abilities that set him apart.
Wilander highlighted Sinner’s success, noting his Wimbledon 2025 title win over Alcaraz (4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4) as evidence of a game built on “total investment” rather than exceptional natural talent. He described Sinner’s ability to hit the ball hard and early from the baseline as a skill that, while impressive, can be emulated through rigorous training and mindset, akin to the consistency seen in the “Big Three” era. “Everybody can try to play like Sinner,” Wilander stated, emphasizing that it “doesn’t require exceptional talent in itself, but a complete commitment.”
In contrast, Wilander praised Alcaraz’s “rarissime” (extremely rare) capabilities, pointing to his speed, versatility, and flair—evident in his French Open 2025 comeback against Sinner (4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2)). He argued that Alcaraz’s ability to blend power, agility, and creativity, especially under pressure, is a natural gift few can replicate. This was underscored by Alcaraz’s two Wimbledon titles (2023, 2024) and his knack for turning matches with shots like drop volleys and defensive winners, which Wilander sees as beyond most players’ reach without similar physical and technical endowments.
The analysis reflects Wilander’s view of their rivalry as a new benchmark for tennis, with Sinner’s grind-it-out style offering a blueprint for aspirants, while Alcaraz’s artistry remains an elusive standard. This perspective aligns with his earlier comments on their French Open epic, where he marveled at Alcaraz’s ability to absorb pace and Sinner’s baseline aggression, suggesting a divide between trainable skill and innate genius.
