Is Sinner vs Alcaraz, The New Federer vs Nadal? First-Ever French Open Final Rematch Since 2008

Last Updated:July 12, 2025, 17:26 IST

Alcaraz and Sinner will meet in the Wimbledon final, the first time since Federer-Nadal back in 2008 that the same men contest both French Open and Wimbledon finals in one season.

Sinner-Alcaraz seems to be taking shape as the new age Federer-Nadal rivalry (AFP)

Sunday’s Wimbledon final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner marks the first time since the Federer-Nadal era (2006–2008) that the same two men will contest both the French Open and Wimbledon finals in the same season.

Neither Alcaraz nor Sinner belongs (yet) in the same league as Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, who each retired with 20 Grand Slam titles, or Novak Djokovic, who continues to compete at age 38 with 24 majors.

But even Djokovic recently acknowledged, “We know they’re the dominant force right now."

A Streak of Dominance From The New Age

Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have claimed the last six Grand Slam titles — and that streak will extend to seven by Sunday evening. Expand the window further, and they’ve won nine of the last 12 majors, with Djokovic taking the other three.

Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard, already has five major titles. Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian, owns three. Their combined age makes them the youngest pair of men’s Wimbledon finalists since Federer (just shy of 25) met Nadal (20) in 2006.

Alcaraz Eyes Wimbledon Three-Peat, Sinner Eyes Maiden Win

Currently riding a 24-match winning streak, Alcaraz has also won 20 straight matches at Wimbledon. He is aiming for his third consecutive title at the All England Club.

Sinner, meanwhile, is appearing in his fourth straight Grand Slam final, a stretch that includes titles at the 2024 U.S. Open and 2025 Australian Open.

“The anticipation for this final is big, is amazing," said Djokovic, who fell to Sinner in the semifinals.

The last time these two met — in the Roland Garros final just five weeks ago — they produced an instant classic.

Alcaraz rallied from two sets down, saved three championship points, and prevailed over five hours and 29 minutes to win his fifth Grand Slam.

A Rivalry That Benefits Tennis

“It’s good for the sport," Sinner said, noting that the right elbow he injured in the fourth round — and had taped during his semifinal win over Djokovic — won’t be an issue on Sunday. “The more rivalries we have from now on, the better it is, because people want to see young players going against each other."

“Let’s hope it’s another beautiful match played at a very high level," Sinner said, “and may the best man win."

(with AP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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