Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, two of the most exciting young stars in tennis, have once again demonstrated that friendship can coexist with fierce rivalry. Following their epic three-set battle in the final of the 2024 China Open, where Alcaraz emerged victorious, the pair shared a private plane to Shanghai for the next tournament in the ATP calendar. Despite the intense competition just hours earlier, both Alcaraz and Sinner boarded the same flight along with their teams, reinforcing their off-court camaraderie.
Their match in Beijing was a thrilling encounter, with Alcaraz winning 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3), claiming his 16th ATP title. The three-hour marathon match saw both players pushing each other to their limits, with Alcaraz rallying from 3-0 down in the final set tiebreak to secure the win. Yet, despite the intensity of their competition, the two players showed mutual respect, sharing laughs and conversation on the flight to Shanghai.
Alcaraz reflected on their unique relationship, saying, “We are fighting against each other, three-hour match… and two hours later, we are on the same plane, making jokes, talking about life”. This shared journey highlights the balance they maintain between rivalry and friendship, a dynamic that is rare in professional sports. Both players will now prepare for the Shanghai Masters, where they may face each other again, but for now, their friendship remains intact.
