Becker Criticizes ATP Players’ Drive Amidst Sinner-Alcaraz Reign

Former world number one, Boris Becker, has voiced his concerns regarding the ambition of some ATP players during the dominant run of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the world of tennis.

Sinner and Alcaraz have emerged as the prominent figures in men’s tennis, collectively securing the last eight major titles.

Alcaraz triumphed over Sinner in the French Open final this year, while Sinner previously dethroned Alcaraz to secure his first Wimbledon title.

Alcaraz recently retaliated, avenging his Wimbledon defeat by bringing Sinner’s US Open title defense to an end with a convincing 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory. This win not only reclaimed the title but also solidified his position in the growing rivalry between these two leading players.

Alcaraz’s victory in New York also propelled him back to the top of the rankings since 2023, with the 22-year-old Spaniard surpassing Sinner and increasing his Grand Slam trophy count to six.

This achievement positions him as the second youngest player in the professional era, which began in 1968, to win six majors, trailing only Bjorn Borg. It also concluded Sinner’s impressive 27-match winning streak on hardcourt majors, impacting the Italian’s successful season.

Becker, who also achieved six Grand Slam victories before the age of 23, a feat matched by Alcaraz with his US Open win, has identified certain players and questioned their pursuit of becoming the best globally, suggesting they are content with secondary roles and lack sufficient drive.

“Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov. What bothers me about them is that they are satisfied with the role of second or third. Quarterfinals are ok, or semifinals are ok,” Boris Becker stated.

“No, it’s not ok if you want to be the best tennis player in the world.

“They’re always saying ‘Yes, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are so much better than we are.’ Well, why do you think that?”

Apart from Alexander Zverev, who holds a 10-9 advantage against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Karen Khachanov all have a negative head-to-head record against the pair. Australian Alex de Minaur’s record is even more lopsided, standing at 14-0.