2025: a new Alcaraz-Sinner and the Djokovic mystery in Tennis

Rafael Nadal is no longer there, and the presence of Roger Federer seems even more distant. As the great historic duel between the three giants dissipates, Novak Djokovic takes on a new major challenge. The Serbian says he still has energy, but he has to deal with the rise of two young players who already scored the previous year, namely Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. These two emerging talents not only dominated the circuit, but also created a significant gap with their competitors. Unless a sudden inspiration strikes, it is unlikely that anyone other than these two stalwarts will get involved in the fight for major titles in 2025.

“Alcaraz has the ability to create more things on the pitch. At his best level, he is stronger than Sinner,” assures Patrick Mouratoglou in comments reported by Tennis Majors. However, the figures show that the Italian is today the undisputed leader of the circuit, having reached first place in June almost 4,000 points ahead of second place, German Alexander Zverev. He continues to win victories relentlessly, while the Murcian player remains the only one to have resisted him with three successes during their previous meetings. In terms of performance, Sinner appears to be dominating the circuit, having not even been troubled by doping accusations while awaiting the outcome of the World Anti-Doping Agency's appeal.

While the tennis world awaits this verdict, Sinner and Alcaraz are preparing intensely for the Australian Open, without a prior tournament. “I know that sooner or later I will win the Australian Open,” says the Spanish player, who considers this competition the biggest incentive of the year; having won Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open could lead him to complete the grand slam at just 21 years old. As for the 23-year-old, he is looking forward to European tournaments, while being aware that for another player to interfere in their struggle would require a substantial change. Zverev? Medvedev? It seems unlikely that they will hinder this duel.

In a context without his two contemporaries, Djokovic finds himself in a delicate position. Despite recent surgery, he ends 2024 with an Olympic gold medal and a run to the semi-finals in Melbourne. Currently ranked seventh, he remains passionate about competition. To keep his spirits up, he draws inspiration from the inner fire of Andy Murray, who had to retire prematurely. Hoping to find a rhythm through increased tournament participation, he says: “My priority was the Games and I achieved that.”

Sabalenka, Swiatek… et Badosa

The prestigious Serbian hardly appreciated the way in which the cas Sinner was dealt with, in particular these five months of silence between the detection of the suspicion by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the official communication of the affair, during which the number one was able to continue his competition in the shadows. At the same time, the WTA title holder, Iga Swiatek, was also overshadowed by an anti-doping control which led to a one-month suspension for use of a drug recently, but without appeal from WADA. The duel between Aryna Sabalenka and Swiatek will continue to dominate the women's circuit, although it is always more altered.

As for the Spanish representatives, the focus is on Paula Badosa, who emerges as the new figure following the withdrawal of Garbiñe Muguruza. At 27, the Catalan has made an impressive comeback, known for her determination and perseverance, and will be looking to take a step forward at major tournaments, with best results coming in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. However, she must overcome difficulties linked to back problems to settle into the top-10 with an offensive approach, focused on her serve and an efficient game by controlling the number of shots.

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