Jannik Sinner edges Carlos Alcaraz in an extraordinary match, hailed as a step beyond the ‘Big 3’

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the brightest stars in men’s tennis, delivered a sensational final at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. The match, which featured breathtaking rallies and nearly error-free ball striking, ended with Sinner defeating Alcaraz 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 in a three-set thriller. Despite the event being an exhibition, the quality of the tennis on display was described by many as some of the finest ever seen on a court.

British No. 3 Liam Broady, who watched the match closely, hailed the performance of both players, suggesting that the level of tennis they showcased might surpass what was witnessed during the peak years of tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—the ‘Big 3’ of modern tennis.

“It was an absolutely incredible match,” Broady said in an interview with Sky Sports Tennis. “The ball striking is some of the best I’ve ever seen, and I hate to say that as a ‘Big 3’ fan, but they hit the ball so big and so consistently. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

This showdown between Sinner and Alcaraz, who are widely regarded as the future faces of men’s tennis, could signal a shift in the power dynamics of the sport. Both players are expected to contend for major honours at the upcoming Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, where Sinner’s victory might provide a psychological edge. After losing earlier in the year to Alcaraz, Sinner’s win could set the tone for their future rivalry.

Broady also noted that the match was played with an intensity usually reserved for Grand Slam finals, with neither player willing to concede an inch. Sinner’s ability to recover after losing the first set and find another gear speaks to his growing stature in the game, while Alcaraz remains a formidable opponent, with both players consistently creating “highlight-reel” moments throughout the contest.

As these two stars continue to rise, tennis fans and analysts alike are watching closely, excited by the prospect of a new golden era of tennis. The comparison to the dominance of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic only adds weight to the belief that the sport is entering a thrilling new chapter, led by the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz.