Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz Comes Out of the Woodwork

Back at the U.S. Open after a long hiatus due to wrist problems, though he was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz is ready to take the court once again at the prestigious Laver Cup as part of Team Europe, which will face Team World at London’s O2 Arena from September 25 to 27. In an interview with the BBC for the occasion, Alcaraz didn’t hesitate to talk about his friend-and-rival Jannik Sinner, whom he’s only had one chance to face on the court so far in 2026.

“I’ve texted him a couple of times, especially earlier this year when he was winning practically everything,” Alcaraz revealed. “I have to admit I miss him: I miss seeing him on the tour and facing him on the court. Jannik pushes me to be a better player. I think this break in our rivalry might even have a positive effect, because it will build anticipation for our next matches. I hope we’ll be able to face each other again by the end of the year, and for that very reason, I think it will be a good thing in the long run.”

Alcaraz and Sinner had faced each other in six finals in 2025: the player from Murcia won in Rome, Paris, Cincinnati, and Flushing Meadows, while the Italian triumphed at Wimbledon and the ATP Finals. This year, due to mutual physical issues, their only head-to-head match was the final in Monte Carlo, which Sinner won 7-6(5), 6-3.

The two global tennis phenoms, incidentally, have watched from the sidelines as Alexander Zverev returned to the top, transforming from a perennial underachiever into a two-time Grand Slam champion thanks to his victories in Paris and New York. The German will be one of Alcaraz’s teammates at the Laver Cup, alongside Flavio Cobolli, Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik, and Casper Ruud (with Arthur Fery as a reserve), on Team Europe led by captain Yannick Noah and vice-captain Tim Henman.

Meanwhile, Team World—captained by Andre Agassi with Pat Rafter as vice-captain—will feature Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Alexander Bublik, and Francisco Cerundolo, with Ignacio Buse as the reserve. Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul will not be participating due to injury and have had to decline the invitation.