Jannik Sinner trait that could dethrone Carlos Alcaraz in blockbuster Roland-Garros final
A "fire and ice" battle is set to ignite the Roland-Garros stage as Jannik Sinner looks to collect his second grand slam title of the year against a fierce Carlos Alcaraz.
It marks the first time in history that a grand slam final will feature two players born in the 2000s, with the pair setting up to be the next big tennis rivalry.
In 13 matches on the pro circuit, Alcaraz has come out on victorious in seven. The Spaniard will also step on to the court having won three of their last four match ups.
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Alcaraz has only dropped four sets in his journey to the final, although his high-ranked rival has yet to lose a set against anyone who has come in his way.
Carlos Alcaraz shakes hands with Jannik Sinner at the Italian Open. Getty
"This is a mouthwatering clash," Wally Masur said on Stan Sports' Grand Slam Daily.
"Jannik is probably hitting the ball better right now.
"When I watched that match against Djokovic, I though 'Novak, you've only got yourself to blame' because great champions bring something to the sport.
"The way Novak defends out of the backhand corner with that open stance back-hand is unbelievable. Well, Sinner has taken that and added to it. He is phenomenal.
"(Sinner) is becoming more and more complete. I think his best tennis is still ahead of him in his career, but he is running awfully hot right now and playing very clean.
"But I kind of feel everything comes into focus for Alcaraz when he plays Sinner. That is the bench mark and that is what he wants to test himself against.
"(Alcaraz) is a brilliant mover, he has a great desire to defend, he has a tremendous ability to kill a dead ball, all sorts of skills. He is incredibly creative but sometimes that can be his downfall.
"I think when he is playing his best, he is the best player in the world on clay. Against Sinner, he is going to have to get down and dirty to win."
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates a point against Lorenzo Musetti during the semi final at the Roland-Garros. Getty
A total of seven major titles have been won between the pair in recent years, but for Alcaraz, the final is a chance to add his name once again into the history books.
The reigning Roland-Garros champion could become the first since Rafael Nadal to successfully defend the French Open title, if he is to defeat Sinner.
Though, Alcaraz admits the pressure of defending his title is something he is "trying not to think about."
"Sometimes you think you have to defend a title... but if you think you have to, you are putting pressure on yourself," Alcaraz told Stan Sport.
"If I don't defend the title, that's OK. It's just about being proud of the level that I played. It doesn't matter if I win or not.
"The way we act on court could be like (fire and ice)," he continued.
"He is the ice, I would say. He always has the same face, you don't know if he is winning or not. It feels like he has no nerves at all, sometimes that scares you in some ways.
"I am fire sometimes because I show my bad moments sometimes, which is sometimes intriguing."
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Sinner last faced Alcaraz in a tournament final at the Italian Open in May, which marked his official return to the professional circuit following a three-month suspension.
The match ended in favour of the Spaniard, who won 7-5, 6-1.
But their electric rivalry has yet to take on the "big stage" until now.
"The stage doesn't get any bigger now," Sinner said after defeating Novak Djokovic in the semi finals.
Jannik Sinner plays a backhand against Novak Djokovic in the Roland-Garros semi final. DeFodi Images via Getty Images
"A grand slam final against Carlos is a special moment for both of us. He won here last year so let's see what is coming.
"I think if we watch all the rivalries they have all been tactical. You don't just go onto the court and hit the ball.
"I believe when there is a good match it is not only good to watch but to play."
As for who will win the match - Masur was torn.
"I said at the start of the tournament that Carlos Alcaraz was my favourite but I am wavering," he said.
"Sinner has been absolutely clinical and the match he played against Djokovic, I thought it was a cracker.
"The ability of either player to turn a number of defensive points when they are in trouble back in their favour might ultimately decide this match. They are both very good at that."
